Silence and Solitude

Have you ever thought about the importance of silence and solitude in your spiritual growth and formation? I come from a tradition and culture that places a high value on being busy and doing things for God, so much so, that taking time to sit quietly and enjoy the presence of God is often neglected.

The “Scratch & Dent” Department

I love the “Scratch and Dent” department or isle.  It is usually the first place my wife and I visit when shopping in stores that sell housewares, home goods and home decorations.  I think the reason is we love finding a bargain.  However, my wife has an exceptionally good eye for decorating and an unusual

Does Practice Make Perfect?

“Practice makes perfect!”  Is this true?  Does practice make perfect? The origin of this familiar proverb comes from the Latin, “uses promptos facit” meaning “use makes perfect.”  Teachers, trainers and coaches have used this phrase for years to encourage students and athletes to practice.  The idea is that through consistent, repetitive practice you can increase your

Checking Our Blind Spot

We know how important it is to check your blind spot when you are driving.  It is one of the most important lessons we learn in driver’s education class.  Failing to check the blind spot could easily result in an accident.  After years of insistence and persistence from my wife, I finally purchased blind spot mirrors

Sleeping Through the Storms?

The recent wave of violent storms ravaging the mid-western states reminds all of us of the unpredictable power of nature, and the fragility of human life.  I can only imagine what people in Moore, Oklahoma felt when a second series of tornadoes touched down in their area this past week. Storms have a way of

How is the soil where you live?

So far, so good. When I look at the beautiful stand of grass I now have in my yard, I am amazed at the difference a year of TLC has made.  Last year about this time, the grass appeared to be nice and green.  A closer look revealed a lot of weeds and very little

Love It or List It

Audio Version Love It or List It is a real estate and renovation show aired on HGTV network.  The premise of the program is the homeowner’s choice to either remodel their existing residence, or move to a new place with all the “bells and whistles.” The hosts of the program, Hilary Farr and David Visentin, compete

How Much Do We Care?

Almost twenty years ago, Schindler’s List, the epic drama directed by Stephen Spielberg, was released.  The movie, based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, had an immediate social impact, and is regarded today as one of the most influential films of the twentieth century.  The film received seven Academy Awards, and three Golden Globes. The film

The Journey Is Too Great For You

At first glance these words don’t sound all that encouraging. It’s like saying to someone running a marathon, “You’ll never make it to the finish line, the distance is too great for you.” Although that’s not want the marathon runner needs to hear, it was exactly what the prophet Elijah needed to hear. And, it’s

How’s The Soil Where You Live?

It happened again this year. The scorching summer heat effectively killed all the grass in my yard, leaving me to mow the remaining weeds. Regardless of how much I pay for grass seed, or what fertilizer I use, the lush green lawn I start out with in the spring, ends up as a patch of