People are Offensively Easy to Offend These Days

People are Offensively Easy to Offend These Days

This week, a small town in Indiana was thrust into the news. Knightstown’s previous claim to fame was the Hoosier Gym, the cinematic home court of the Hickory Huskers in the movie, “Hoosiers.” But this time, Knightstown made news when one of its citizens, represented by the ACLU, sued the town to remove the lighted cross from atop the town Christmas tree. He claimed the religious symbol violated his first amendment rights. Within a couple of days, the town council had the cross removed from the tree, probably because they didn’t want to (or perhaps because they couldn’t afford to) spend the resources to contest the lawsuit. (more…)

For Such a Time as This

For Such a Time as This

If you have spent more than ten minutes with me in the last five or ten years, then you’ve probably noticed the awkward way I “turn” my head, which is really a full-body move. Or you’ve heard me complain about my chronic neck pain (sorry). It has something that has been a pain in my neck for years. (I know — that was a stupid joke, even for me.)

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Between the Sheets

Between the Sheets

When temps get down into the 40’s at night, I’m breaking out the fleece. So last night, I went in to the bedroom about an hour before we planned to retire for the evening to “pre-heat” my bed. You see, when it’s chilly, I will sometimes turn my side of the heated mattress cover to high for an hour or so, then turn it off when I get into bed — takes that icy chill off the sheets. (Feel free to make a joke about romance if you want. I would.) So, I was surprised when I climbed into bed to find it was still very cold! (more…)

The Great Encourager

The Great Encourager

I haven’t posted a lot about jail ministry lately — maybe because I’ve been a little burned out and a LOT worn out. When the busy-ness of life becomes overbearing, it’s easy for even things we love to be relegated to “just another commitment,” or thought of as, “just another thing I have to do.”

I love jail ministry with everything in me, but lately I’ve been so busy with life that I’ve felt drained. I’ve been praying that God would rekindle my spirit and return my joy. I wanted my passion back. (more…)

I’m an Unforgiving Debtor

I’m an Unforgiving Debtor

The Scripture Passage

Matthew 18:23-35New Living Translation (NLT)

Parable of the Unforgiving Debtor

23 “Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. 24 In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. 25 He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt. (more…)

The Least We Can Do?

The Least We Can Do?

Don’t you hate feeling helpless when a friend or loved one confides in you about struggles he or she is facing. Loss, sickness, despair, and grief leave us feeling hopeless and impotent. We want to “fix it” and make him or her feel better, but in our desperation, we offer simply, “I’ll keep you in my prayers.”  (more…)