Blog Posts

The Plan

“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21, English Standard Version) I had a plan. It was a plan to address a longstanding, worrisome concern. A goal with a God honoring route and an outcome that would definitely be in…

Trash Cans

“[Jesus] answered, ‘Because of your little faith [your lack of trust and confidence in the power of God]; for I assure you and most solemnly say to you, if you have [living] faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and [if it is God’s…

Drifting

“A man plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the Lord directs his steps and establishes them.” (Proverbs 16:9, Amplified Bible) A change of seasons. Sometimes I’m tempted to feel I “missed” my life, dreams unrealized. Yet, looking back, I know I spent my days doing “what [was] right in front of me.”…

Trudging Through Mud

“And let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart.”(Galatians 6:9, Revised Standard Version.) It had been three long seasons, late evenings after work, early mornings, Saturdays … time away from the family pursuing a passion in a place were few were passionate about…

Because I Said So

“‘I [the Lord] know what I am doing. I have it all planned out….’” (Jeremiah 29:11a, The Message) Holding my one-month-old granddaughter I walked to the first staircase landing. “Hold onto the railing,” I said, turning to look over my shoulder. Her big (three-year-old) brother walked down behind us. “Why?” Having already had a couple…

A Better Plan

“Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.” (Isaiah 25:1, New International Version – UK) Babe number three was expected almost any day. If she would just cooperate and arrive a few days early, like her siblings,…

Baby Skunks

“…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith…” (Hebrews 12:2, New American Standard Bible) One morning Ellen* opened her front door to find two baby skunks on her lawn. Frightened, with tails raised the youngsters nervously backed away. Of course, backing up they were unable to see where they were going. They…

Big Hairy Scary Giants

“‘Do not fear, only believe.’” (Mark 5:36, English Standard Version) Another restless night. Forgive me, Lord. After several days – maybe even a couple weeks – focusing on You, resting in Your peace (mostly), I fell off the wagon – again. Frustrated by another’s reluctance to set aside pride, I reverted to imagining the worst…

Olympic Gold

“…walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him….” (Colossians 1:10, Christian Standard Bible) His daughter, Chloe Kim, had just won the Olympic* Gold Medal for Snowboarding’s Halfpipe. The Olympic Gold Medal … at only17! A photographer snapped a picture of Jong-Jin Kim side hugging the bronze medalist’s father, a look of pure joy reflected…

Bold Obedience

“…the sons of Israel started out boldly, in the sight of all the Egyptians.” NASB The “Big Game” was over; the underdogs won. By anyone’s standards, it was a good game. The underdogs (who had never won a “Big Game”) met the five-time winner and was ahead more than three-quarters of the game. While the…