The quiet life of the plain people Previously, my only experience with the Amish lifestyle was through novels and movies. Then I made a trip to Lancaster County in Pennsylvania, and I spent some time among the Amish. I found their lifestyle fascinating and thought-provoking. I’ve always loved—but have struggled to live—the passage in 1 […]
I reserve the right to gripe just a bit about Mother’s Day. Woodrow Wilson wasn’t thinking of preachers’ wives when he signed a bill making the second Sunday in May an official celebration of moms. Sundays were always “work days” at our house. I never went to a Mother’s Day buffet that wasn’t picked over […]
I’m done teaching my Bible study for this year, and so I’m writing this article for my own sake as much as yours. It’s a lot easier for me to stay close to the Lord when I have to teach his Word each week. I usually spend a lot of time studying and preparing lessons […]
Every Easter I struggle to comprehend how Jesus was able to wait in the darkness, watching the torches descend from Jerusalem, knowing those soldiers were coming for him. When I am in Israel, the Garden of Gethsemane is the place I most often struggle with tears. I can see the gate in the city wall […]
Have our hosannas been hushed? Monday’s news headlined Tiger Woods and Game of Thrones, and the reporters had words of praise for both. Palm Sunday’s hosannas didn’t make the news, but don’t be discouraged. Maybe our hosannas are more effective when they are delivered quietly and personally, with praise. The shouts of praise on Palm […]
Fame is a weak support to lean on A friend came up to me at Bible study and said she had just attended an event that included a concert with Wynonna Judd. My friend sent me the link to one of the country singer’s songs, “These Are the Things That I Lean On,” and encouraged […]
A NOTE FROM JANET: Before I begin this post, I want to thank each of you who donated through this website to help me provide the Jesus: Got Questions? gospel to children. Your gifts will enable the Pocket Testament League to give more than fifteen thousand copies to children, free of charge. You have blessed a […]
Why would I recommend that you and your sixth graders see Unplanned, an R-rated movie? I have to admit, this is a first. But, I think anyone who is twelve years old or older should go see Unplanned. The movie opens this weekend. And it will change the way you think and improve the way […]
You might have been reading this blog for years, but maybe you don’t know my faith story. I was about ten years old when I ran over a little book with my bicycle. I hopped off my bike to get a closer look. The cover was torn off, but the first page said something like, […]
There’s nothing quite like getting an email from your coworker that gently asks, “What are you writing about this week?” After a brief moment of panic, I pulled out the computer. I thought I had already written this blog post! My response: “I have no idea!” So, this will be a short “Spring Break” kind […]