I look out at the landscaped areas around my yard and they fall short of my expectations. Oh, the roses are blooming beautifully. The palms accent with a bit of tropical vibe. The agave, yucca and cactus produce a Texas hill country feel. The native stones decorate, too. It’s those troublesome weeds! They weren’t invited. They demand time and sweat …
The sign at your salon says, “Give us a positive review on Yelp and Google. Show us your review and receive 15% off your next visit.” Businesses thrive on more customers coming through the door. The most effective tool that opens the door is the opinion of current customers. Positive reviews are good for business. God wants positive reviews, too, …
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4). On this day—May 29—in 1953, Sir Edmund Hilary became the first man to reach the summit of …
Speak, O Grave: A Memorial Day Tribute Lost You are and I am Had you returned what would have been Who would we be? Had you refused your orders your deployment your honor to country What would have been Who would you be Where would justice cry? I miss you I miss us I want both you and freedom I …
A man was journeying at night and fell off a cliff, but managed to grab a straggly branch that stopped him from tumbling to his death. Alone, he quickly surveyed his situation and realized he wouldn’t be able to hold on for long. He decided to call out for help. “Is anyone up there?” After what seemed like an eternity …
It seemed like fire ignited Jesus at his transfiguration on the mountain. Peter, James and John were watching. God recorded the event in the Bible for us to watch, too. “Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus” (Matthew 17:3). God summoned Moses and Elijah from their heavenly retirement to appear in fiery splendor, bringing with …
Both sons in Jesus’ parable believed it was by works that they earned a place in their father’s household. “Make me like one of your hired servants,”was the younger son’s plan, and “All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders” (Luke 15:19,29) was the older son’s self-justification for pouting. The father interrupted the younger son’s …
Whether you are teaching your kids how to say their ABC’s, play the piano, or mow the lawn, there’s a combination of theory and practice. You tell them how to do it. You might show them how to do it. But then, you let them do it. And, they may replace “C” with “G.” They may play a wrong note. …
Rick was a street performer. A magician, and a mighty good one. Vegas begged to book him but he insisted that the street was his stage. He traveled a lot, but booked only street gigs. Sometimes he just showed up on busy corners in New York or Paris or Dubai. And women loved his magic, like it cast a spell …
