There is a misconception that we have to feel love before we show love lest our behavior be disingenuous. Do our relationships require action or are they simply nebulous connections based on even more intangible emotions?
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Category: Christian Living
Are you chasing death or seeking life?
After two years of living in ag-lovin' West Texas, I finally had my first brush with a rodeo. My son tried out for an event called "Mutton Bustin.'" If you've never heard of this little rite of passage, I'll sum it up for you: young kids get plopped on the back of a sheep and… Continue reading Are you chasing death or seeking life?
A Different Kind of Birthday
I've been immersed in birthday plans this week. My son is turning seven very soon and has spent most of the month counting the days and weeks until he can have a party with his friends. I've got a piñata drying on my dining room table, cake ingredients on the counter, and a little boy… Continue reading A Different Kind of Birthday
How God Feels About Our Excuses
Several years ago B.K. (before kids) my spouse and I hosted a "Singing in the New Year" party. We invited people to enjoy food, games, and offering praise to God as the new year ushered in. Out of the forty people we invited, only half showed up. We had a fantastic time and the twenty that showed up suggested we do it again the following year. The other half that didn't come said the invitation had not been sent early enough and they already had plans. It seemed a plausible excuse, so the following year, we sent out the invites immediately after Thanksgiving, requested RSVPs, and sent out a reminder about a week before the party. We still had a great turn out, but the people who didn't come the first time still didn't RSVP until a few days before, saying, "oh, I already had plans." If they already had plans, why didn't they send their regrets when the invitation was sent a month before? Oh, the sting of weak excuses...
When Your Plans Are Constantly Interrupted
We never like to address the inconveniences of parenting. We don’t like to tell expecting moms and dads, “Sleep now, because you won’t be sleeping for the next few years.” Or, “Enjoy that pre-baby vacation because it’ll be awhile before vacations are relaxing.” It all sound so “glass-half-empty,” doesn’t it? Here’s the reality: Raising children is inconvenient, but it’s the opportunity of a lifetime. When the Lord blesses us with children through adoption or birth, He has entrusted a young soul into our care for teaching, training, and affection. Your plans are going to be interrupted, and at what seems like the worst moments! How do we react to these interruptions?
Do You Have a Cell Phone? Does Your Child? Here’s a Film You Need to Watch.
If you don't have any major plans this evening (or Thursday), it would be worth your time to go out and see Kirk Cameron's new film "Connect.": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hiltak3hsZc This movie covers how the digital age is affecting our children and provides insight into how we can equip and protect them. Today's parents grew up with… Continue reading Do You Have a Cell Phone? Does Your Child? Here’s a Film You Need to Watch.
“I’m sorry, but…”
How many times have you apologized to someone for being short-tempered, irritable or forgetful? Nearly all of us have said something along these lines: "I'm sorry for being short with you, but I'm so stressed out." "I'm sorry I am late paying my bill, but I misplaced it." "I'm sorry I forgot your birthday, but… Continue reading “I’m sorry, but…”
Do you know how to love others well?
How often do I get so bogged down in my own struggle that I fail to really notice the struggle of the people next to me? I may glance their direction and see them in a moment of triumph only to miss the next moment when they fall flat. We have a tendency to walk as though in a tunnel, not seeing the wider world around us. We focus only on who or what is in front of us (usually through the small screens of our phones) while running the risk of ignoring—or even injuring—the souls beside us.
Oh rats! I can’t keep making excuses?!
Rats aren't really my thing. People may enjoy having them as pets, but after having trapped one in the garage of our first house and found a half-eaten one on the back porch of the aforementioned house... well, let's just say I've had enough of rats. C.S. Lewis, however, uses them in an effective illustration… Continue reading Oh rats! I can’t keep making excuses?!
Does God Need Us to Make Excuses for our Sin?
This is part 3 of the series "Why are you making excuses?" To read the previous post, click here. This is a tale of two kings---two very real kings---from ancient Israel. Both kings made a choice to sin. Both received punishment for their sins. Both made apologies to God. Only one chose repentance. Our first King… Continue reading Does God Need Us to Make Excuses for our Sin?
