Some songs make me cringe. It's not necessarily the lyrics---although cringe-worthy lyrics abound. Often it's the style of singing or instrumentation. Sometimes it's an associated memory. For instance, whenever I hear Andy Williams' voice belt out, "It's the most wonderful time of the year!" I can't help but groan inwardly. I associate it with disgruntled black friday… Continue reading What the World Needs Now
Tag: love
Why “going through the motions” is necessary at times
There is a popular song that plays occasionally on the Christian radio station called "The Motions." I had to look up the lyrics because I could only remember the chorus (even after I looked them up, they made little sense to me). This is how the chorus goes: I don't wanna go through the motions I don't wanna go one more day Without Your all consuming passion inside of me I don't wanna spend my whole life asking What if I had given everything Instead of going through the motions? Not to slaughter anyone's sacred cow (or song), but this song has got it backwards.
Help! I need somebody, not just anybody… (Day 25 of the #encourage marathon)
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall… Continue reading Help! I need somebody, not just anybody… (Day 25 of the #encourage marathon)
What is Your ‘Why’?
In the race of life, there are moments when we forget why we are running. We focus on how to be better, faster, and stronger. We waste fruitless hours bemoaning the uneven ground, the unexpected rocks, the sand in our shoes, and more. We see something lovely, our breath momentarily suspended, only to trip over our own feet and hit the ground. It's a long, hard race. (Can I get an amen?) In this race, every person, at some moment in time asks the question, 'Why am I here?' or 'Why am I doing this?'. Indeed, why are you here?
7 Marriage Principles We Should Teach Our Children
Many parents squirm over the prospect of their children dating and marrying---and for good reason. We who have been through that stage of life are well-acquainted with the pitfalls, dangers and temptations. We have observed (or experienced) them and are more than a little reluctant to let our kids face that particular gauntlet. Because we live in a society in which people choose their marriage partner, it is absolutely vital that we actively teach our children what marriage is and what to look for in a spouse.
And the greatest of these is….? (Comparison Cure #5)
It always comes down to love, doesn't it? Do you rejoice when your child does well? How about your spouse? Why? Because you love them!
The need for Compassion (Comparison Cure #4)
This is the fifth post in the series on Comparison Cures. To read the previous post, click here. Jenny steeled herself and walked purposefully through the familiar front door. The cozy little house was already buzzing with the chatter of women. Jenny plastered a smile on her face, determined not to be the dark cloud… Continue reading The need for Compassion (Comparison Cure #4)
The Humility Remedy (Comparison Cure #3)
Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man… It is the comparison that makes you proud: the pleasure of being above the rest. Once the element of competition is gone, pride is gone. C.S. Lewis
Comparison Cure #1: Contentment
Our high-powered culture tells us that if we apply ourselves and work hard, we can have the American Dream---2 (or more) new cars, a fancy-schmancy house in a good neighborhood, highly talented children, a fat 401(k) and all the latest and greatest toys. If you fall short of this dream, the unspoken assumption is that you are unmotivated and lazy. You should have more, you deserve more, you need more. But is that contentment?
The Joy of Anticipation
Last night my 4-year old started digging around for his packages and shake them.
