Gasping for air, I frantically circled the business meeting room, trying to say, “I can’t breathe!” But no sound came out, and as hard as I tried to inhale, no air was coming in. It was terrifying and I didn’t know what to do. And then I woke up in my pitch-black bedroom and realized …
One usually associates Jesus’s alternate title of Immanuel (or Emmanuel) with Christmas, but the word means “God with us.” Isaiah prophesied of the One who came to restore humanity’s relationship with God: Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will …
A couple of times while driving recently I’ve encountered a squirrel running out on the road, right into my lane. As I approached and was only a car-length away, both times the rodent stopped, took a few steps in one direction, then turned in another, at which point the car was almost on top of …
I grew up with a loving mom who made her faith in God central to her life. Once when very young, maybe 6 or 7, I remember seeing her curled up in her prayer chair early in the morning with her Bible. I recall once sitting in a chair opposite her, awkwardly wrapping my arms …
After home group recently, I mentioned to my friend, DeeDee, having had some work-related stress and she asked, “Are you remembering to breathe?” (Meaning, was I paying attention to how I was breathing?) Was it unconscious short, shallow breaths of the anxious, busy, and preoccupied, or was it deliberate, deeper breathing— bringing a sense of …
My wife and I are different, which is a very good thing. She likes a room to have… well, room. While I have often seen space as something to fill with stuff, Carrie finds “open and airy” peaceful and refreshing, and she disdains clutter. In my hurry I sometimes lay an object down in a …
When we were all shut inside for Covid, I took to writing poetry. Here’s a poem I penned in November of 2020, which I’ll use to launch today’s post: The Candle A gift I once opened had a candle inside. With what rich, layered hues was this wax beautified! And it came with a wick …
My father-in-law was in the Navy, so my wife moved several times growing up. Where we live now is the longest she has ever lived anywhere. And I suppose that’s true for me as well. A former military couple we know moved their family about twenty times in as many years. Apparently one of their …
At the end of last December I found myself scheduling time off I hadn’t managed to fit in during the year. My company offers paid time off on a use it or lose it basis. Since a benefit like that is part of my overall compensation, I would be foolish to ignore it. David often …
Noticing little birds enjoying our bird feeder this morning, I recalled the old song “His Eye is on the Sparrow.” Its reassuring refrain comforts us with certainty that if God’s eye is on the common sparrow, He will surely watch over us. The thought originates from Matthew 10:29. “Aren’t two sparrows sold for only a …
A recent article about our state’s professional football team highlighted their distinction of having the best defense in the league… and the worst offense! In one game alone, we saw their quarterback get sacked six times and hit eighteen times! It takes more than a good defense to win a football game; somebody’s got to …
Years ago I developed a taste for plain yogurt for breakfast. I mix things with it, but like the taste and the fact that it’s not loaded with added sugar. Since Carrie figured out how to make it from milk and starter yogurt in a crock pot, we’ve been making our own. All it takes …
