All my life I have heard the adage, “Actions speak louder than words.” I hear people promising others many things, but the real answer is the action they take. Parents show their children they are loved by loving them. Spouses show their mates they are appreciated by listening to and loving them. I watch the […]
I have been privileged to have Bible studies in every church I have pastored. Some of the studies like the Bethel Bible and Disciple Series have lasted one to four years. During these times, we have suffered and rejoiced with others through all kinds of personal experiences. When you study the Bible for an extended […]
I recently read about William Cowper, a poet who lived from 1731 to 1800 and suffered from depression and anxiety. William found a friend in his pastor, John Newton, a former slave trader. Cowper tried to take his life several times. When Newton would visit him, they would often take long walks and talk about […]
My wife Carolyn and I love driving around looking at Christmas lights. It amazes us how much time and energy some folks put into decorating their homes. Energy companies must love Christmas. Electric bills must be through the roof! Christmas lights are amazing. Some are white and some are multi-colored. Some houses have spotlights while […]
At my son’s church this past week, a colored strip of paper was lying on everyone’s seat at the start of the service. Each person was to write a word on their piece of paper. The strips of paper were then joined together to form a paper chain which encircled the sanctuary. The word I […]
The hymn “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” is based on an 1863 poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. It’s not like most Christmas songs which usually proclaim joy and peace. This one is different. “And in despair I bowed my head. There is no peace on earth I said. For hate is strong and […]
My wife Carolyn’s mother is in an assisted living facility in Sanford, N.C. She told Carolyn to throw away her Christmas tree several years ago. We had a large tree in our living room, and Carolyn decided to dispose of it and get a smaller tree. She decided to bring her mother’s tree here for […]
Once Thanksgiving is over, we enter the season of Advent, a stark reminder that we have four weeks to buy Christmas presents, decorate the tree and cook all the food for this special day. Christmas has all kinds of traditions, including Advent calendars, buying and decorating a Christmas tree, lighting an Advent wreath, and reading […]
On my daily morning walk, I recently spotted two hawks in a tree. I stopped for a closer look, wondering what they were watching so intently. In that moment, three Canadian geese soared downward and landed on the nearby pond. I just stood there and watched as the three geese and two hawks made my […]
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared that Thanksgiving would be held on the last Thursday of November every year. In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt became concerned when Thanksgiving was slated to fall on the last day of the month, shortening Christmas shopping and stalling economic recovery. He moved the holiday to the second-to-last Thursday […]