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What is Character?
Character isn’t a trait. Character is how we handle the tension in the opportunity to go one direction or the other. We can’t claim to have character until we stand in the tension to choose it. Wise character is built…
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Fear Not: Eternal Promise or Earthly Shaming Tool?
The admonition to Fear Not is used 365 times in the Bible. “One for each day,” we like to say. My favorite is, “Be of good courage, fear not, for the Lord thy God will be with you. He will…
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Love Story: Serving An Aging Pet
She barks several hours per day. It’s the new thing in a long list of things that come with aging. She forgets where we are. Bark. It hurts to sit down; she circles in her bed. Bark. She wants to…
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“Which Values Will You Vote For?” Christianity in Crisis
One statement we can all agree on: The presidential election in 2020 is the most important election in modern history. The hurricane surrounding this election is nearing a category four: catastrophic damage to our society. I’m disappointed in all of…
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“2020 Vision” O Say Can You See?
The impact we have on one another sets the course for both of us. We rise or fall to the rhythm of our love, or to the cadence of our hate. Both are contagious. Both have the power to set…
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“You Did Not Just Say That!” Do the means justify the end?
I’ve had some interesting conversations the last several days about the political article I posted on Facebook. First, let me apologize for posting that article. When I saw the news, I was triggered with disgust and anger. I did not…
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“Happily Ever After” What I’ve Learned From 25 Years Of Marriage
I’ve never seen a bride cheering down the aisle towards her waiting groom, “Yes! I’m about to be challenged!” And I’ve never seen a groom celebrating, “Yes! I’m about to be thrown into adversity!” as he watches his bride walk…
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“My Faith is Shattered” Faith and Hope When We Don’t Get The Answer We Want
Her eyes held me. My pain was reflected there. She added a mix of empathy and grace but I wasn’t ready for it. I needed more time. I needed to be angry first. I couldn’t understand this ‘laying down my…
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“Judge Not Lest You Be Judged” The Vital Difference Between Judgment and Discernment
Discernment is crucial to everyday life. We discern art and literature by way of critical evaluation. We discern the health of relationships with rubrics like trust, boundaries, behavior patterns, and beliefs. We discern the weather to decide what to wear.…
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Conversations That Divide
I’ve come to the conclusion that we are debating all wrong. My ears bleed when I experience a “discussion” that feels like an endless loop of comebacks in defense of the small team without any kind of dialogue about what’s…