Canyons & Fireworks

      This past week my stepdaughter was having a bad day. Her team lost their soccer game, she was sore from physical training, her math homework stumped her, and she was quarreling with her best friend. I found myself trying to give a peep talk on the way to dropping her off at school.      I told her as much we hate to admit it, we grow the most through difficulty. The hard times make us stronger, give us a new perspective, and we experience personal growth. As a parent there is such a temptation to shield children from unpleasantries. We do not want to see those we love suffer and we like being the hero. It would have been easy to tell her everything would work out and to turn that frown upside down, but I have learned better....     Nothing against optimism, but I think she was better off connecting with what she was feeling. I was impressed with her ability to communicate what was really on her mind and depth of her perspective at such a you...

     Recalling all can be a comfort. We are often taught to live in the present and never look back. The dangers of living in the past can be detrimental; pitfalls of regret, unforgiveness, and remorse deteriorate the mind and soul. Yet how sad to miss out on the full breadth of redemption. Healing can be gradual and then sudden. Like a child growing, one cannot always see the change in stature. A glimpse into the past can be rewarding and carry new revelations. We are told that time heals all wounds, but how will we know if we do not take a look back? Done correctly, glimpses can speaks of the goodness of The Lord in the land of the living.     Lately, I have been immensely grateful for all the Lord has delivered me from and all He has given me over the years. Could some reflection produce a grateful heart for you or some praise from you?     

Time. We claim we do not have enough time for the things we enjoy, people we love, or to build healthy habits. Mostly, time seems to rage on without consulting human agendas or preferences. Honeymoons and vacations are the most slippery in the hands of time while youth is the most devastated casualty. One sure way to slow the tempo of life is to undergo a transition. Suddenly the hasty pace of all things relaxes to an offensive crawl or slither.  My office has been going through a refresh. Wonderful news, except for the fact that all of my belongs had to be temporarily relocated to my home living room. The moment the items settled into their accommodation; time halted. While disruptive this truly is a First World problem and the momentary inconvenience does allow for a welcome change. Nonetheless, business has not been usual. I was working from home when the "snail mail" arrived. While running outside to fetch it, I came across a tiny real snail gliding across my driveway. Am...

     Jesus' life was marked with a sort of disappointing rejection. At the very beginning there was no room for Him in the inn. As miraculous as the glory of the Lord shinning around the shepherds and directing them to honor the birth of Jesus is, Jesus deserved more fanfare. All knowing Jesus did not come to be served but to serve, but I wonder if Mary was ever disappointed by the lack of celebration for her son. Before you assume Mary was too humble for such a thought, ask yourself if your mamma bear instincts will come out if your kid is benched for another little league game?     We read few details about the childhood of our savior but we know He was questioned, rejected, harassed, misunderstood, undervalued, lied about, betrayed and eventually crucified.      In Mark 2 we read about Jesus healing the paralyzed man. This part of scripture is often used to teach friendship, perseverance, and faith. I was praying for two dear friends who were ...