I love the Smoky Mountains. These mountains have a special beauty. Last summer, we spent several days there. I have been to these mountains many times. Not once, however, have I ever seen all of the Smoky Mountains at one moment in time. I only see a part. Seeing a part of these mountains reminds… Continue reading If You Think That’s Beautiful…
Category: Encouragement
The One You Can Count On
During this time of the year, Thanksgiving and then Christmas, many of us get together with family. We are with people we love. Sometimes the relationships are uncomplicated. Very little stress. Yet, sometimes the relationships are complex. And for many people, there is some pain involved. Often, there is some sign of brokenness. We are… Continue reading The One You Can Count On
“I’m Going to Quit”
That is exactly what I said when I was a junior at The University of North Texas. "I’m going to quit." I was tired of school. I was working late nights at United Parcel Service and then getting up in time for 8:00 classes each morning. My grades were not good. So I… Continue reading “I’m Going to Quit”
The Crime of Living Cautiously
No, these are not my words. Rather, this is the title of a book of poems by Luci Shaw. The full title is The Crime of Living Cautiously: Hearing God’s Call to Adventure. I’ve not read the book. But, the title would be worth the price of the book. Maybe this is because I am… Continue reading The Crime of Living Cautiously
People Go On With Their Lives–Regardless
I was a senior in college. Just one more student in the school of business at the University of North Texas (North Texas State in those days). This was a large university with large classes. I had just gone through a year in which I wasn’t sure I wanted to be in college. My grades… Continue reading People Go On With Their Lives–Regardless
Are You Willing to Invest?
On Thursday of last week, I drove my mom and dad to Arkansas. We went to the town (Wilmar) where she grew up. It was fun to stay with my aunt (my mom’s sister) and see another aunt and uncle, a number of cousins and their spouses and their children (and even their spouses). I… Continue reading Are You Willing to Invest?
Live With Some Confidence
I’ve been convicted twice in the last two days. One– I saw a friend who was full of gratitude for the way another family and another church had helped his family at a critical time. This family had lost much of what they owned through a real tragedy. I remember thinking, "I wish there was… Continue reading Live With Some Confidence
Is This Person Important to You?
I have spent several days this week at the Baylor Medical Center in Dallas. My mom had a hip replaced. In some respects a common procedure. She is, however, 81 years old with a knee that needs to be replaced etc. So–I have been at this sprawling medical complex for a few days. The place… Continue reading Is This Person Important to You?
Looking for Moments of Encouragment
I was talking on the telephone with one of my sister-in-laws yesterday. At one point she said, "I’m amazed that you haven’t burned out yet. After doing this kind of work for so many years." I told her that I really have to stay on top of it. In fact, I am very serious about… Continue reading Looking for Moments of Encouragment
Are You Just Alive or Really Living?
Yesterday morning, several young women were in our assembly who had grown up at Crestview. They had long since "grown up", gone away to college, and moved to other places. Now they were back. One of them was telling me that she had come in for a surprise birthday party for her good friend who… Continue reading Are You Just Alive or Really Living?