When things are going well, it’s easy to take things for granted. For instance, you never stop to be thankful for two strong ankles until you sprain one and suddenly realize how important they are for locomotion. Too often, I dig right into a meal without stopping for even a moment to be grateful for…
As this time of the year approaches, I get all excited about being together with my family on Thanksgiving Day. Some of you may not know, but I have five brothers/sisters and both parents that live south of St. Louis, Mo. This is the time we all try very hard to make it home for…
I write my Last Word on Election day morning – having already cast my ballot. Tonight, we’ll know more about who’ll be leading us for the next four years. Some will be pleased, while others will no doubt be disappointed. I’ve heard many people say that regardless of who is elected today, on November 9th,…
The Good News of the Gospel is that we are freed from selfishness and sin to live our lives joyfully. However, sometimes even the best of us can get into a rut. Years ago, the Denver Zoo was offered the gift of a polar bear. The only problem was that there was no existing room,…
There’s an old hymn you may know that goes “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” It’s not just a hymn though, it’s true. The more I study and reflect on the Jesus we learn about in the gospels, the more it becomes clear to me the difficulty of…
We are trained from a young age that good behavior and hard work are rewarded. But God’s grace teaches us a different lesson: that God loves us despite what we do or don’t do. Likewise, Jesus calls us to love and serve others not for personal gain – but because we have first been loved.…
Recently, I passed a Hy-Vee semi. Instinctively, I waved. You see, I have connections to that business. 1) Both of my parents claim Chariton, Iowa, as hometown (Hy-Vee headquarters), 2) My daddy opened the original Keokuk Hy-Vee store, 3) My grandpa drove semi for them. So, for as long as I’ve been driving, I wave…
Normally, I don’t care for television commercials, but I am always tickled by those Snickers commercials that end with the tag line, “You’re not you when you’re hungry.” One of my favorites was the one with Betty White playing backyard football with a bunch of guys and complaining that she wasn’t being treated fairly. Someone…
I feel it is our obligation to vote. Many Christians do not vote. I really think this is the wrong choice. Christians in many countries in this world are being persecuted. They suffer under governments that hate the Christian faith and yet these believers don’t have a right to choose their leaders. In the United…
Knowing I have shared my joy with you, serving you as your Administrative Assistant, I would like to reemphasize my joy! I look forward to coming into work every day as each is different. Prior to becoming a staff member, I took our pastors for granted! Not any longer…I so appreciate and see firsthand all…