Everyone needs encouragement. I don’t know anyone who is always positive about life, work, or ministry. We all have our moments of concern and sadness and discouragement. Courage means “heart” (from the French word ‘couer”) or inner strength. Sometimes we lose that...
One of the strangest of all musical compositions ever conceived was that drafted by the avant-garde American John Cage. He wrote it in 1952 and called it “4’33”.” It was written for any instrument or instruments, as the case may be, and each of the three movements has...
Fond of talking in whispers? Well, don't! Whispering is not healthy. I once overused my vocal chords. The doctor ordered: No talking. No singing. And no whispering. For three straight months! These happened thrice in a space of three years. And with these, a lengthy...
THRIVE (verb): to grow vigorously, to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances (Merriam-Webster Dictionary) "It is possible to heal. It is even possible to thrive. Thriving means more than just an alleviation of symptoms, more than...
"If I could write a prescription for the women of the world," wrote psychologist Dr. James Dobson, "it would provide each of them with a healthy dose of self-esteem and personal worth. I have no doubt that this is their greatest need." But is the same need present for...
Imagine yourself a flashlight. Better yet, a lighthouse. Especially on dark stormy nights, those on boats can find their way back to safety because of you. Lighthouses are built really high—so their bright turning lights, blinking at every 72-second interval—can be...
"It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light." — Aristotle Having a negativity bias often has a more significant impact on how we feel than positive or neutral ones. Numerous studies have shown that people who cultivate negative energy...
Should you ever have the opportunity to visit ancient Corinth, there is an out-of-the-way, seldom-seen-by-tourists place that makes what Paul wrote to the Corinthians more meaningful. Remember Paul's comments that those who run in a race should run in such a way as...
Travel light. A good reminder, especially if you're a senior. Today's humungous airports are no match to achy-breaky joints. So no more check-in luggage if I can help it. I believe that's equally true in the spirit. Emotional baggage wears you down. But what does one...
Seldom does a writer really open his heart and reveal his soul, yet there are times when individuals pull up the window shades and let you see within, where their stark naked thoughts reveal struggles and conflicts that are not readily apparent. The closest thing to...