   American poet Emily Dickinson (pictured above) died on May 15, 1886 at the age of 55. She wrote over 1800 poems in her lifetime, but she published none of them. Seven were published anonymously before her death, probably without her permission. After Emily died, her sister Lavinia discovered dozens of handmade notebooks in […]
3233) Called Back Read More »
    A few days ago, Emailmeditation #3228 told the story of William and Wilhemina Kruse, South Dakota pioneers, who lost nine children to diphtheria in 1894. Upon reading it, my friend Tim emailed to tell me that the story was very personal for him. He sent me a brief account of his family faith history.Â
3232) “In Jesus’ Name” Read More »
   (…continued) Not everyone is fond of Ecclesiastes. It is strange. It is depressing. It even gives ungodly and bad advice. In the parable of Jesus, it is the fool who says, “Eat, drink, and be merry.” But in Ecclesiastes that very advice is given by the teacher as the best way to live.Â
3231) Ecclesiastes? Who Need It? (2/2) Read More »
    Pictured above are William and Wilhelmine (Minnie) Kruse behind the counter of their store in Humboldt, South Dakota. Both were born in Germany; William in 1849, Minnie in 1851. Both immigrated to America as children with their parents. They were married in 1871. Along with their store, they also farmed. The 1915 census recorded
By Francis Chan, from his 2008 book Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God    You could die before you finish reading this meditation. I could die while you’re reading it. Today. At any moment.    But it’s easy to think about today as just another day. An average day where you go
3227) You Might Not Finish Reading This Read More »
Matthew 11:28-30 – (Jesus said),  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” ————————-
3210) Questions After 9-11 (3/3) Read More »
   (…continued) Billy Graham spoke at the National Prayer Service at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. on Friday, September 16 (pictured above). This inter-faith service was an awkward forum for a man so used to proclaiming the clear claims of Christ as THE Way, THE Life, and THE Truth (John 14:6). Billy Graham’s
3209) Questions After 9-11 (2/3) Read More »
I wrote this piece in 2001 as an article for the monthly newsletter of a Christian mission organization that I was working with at the time. I hesitated to write it, but finally did. The editor hesitated to publish it, and decided not to. The time did not yet seem right. I never did use
3208) Questions After 9-11 (1/3) Read More »
Mary Magdalene at the Tomb  (John 20), by Harold Copping (1863-1932) ————————-     (…continued) “Believe in me,” said Jesus, though there is a problem. This is a nice story, but can we believe it? 2,000 years is a long time ago, and the whole thing is pretty unscientific. Eternal life is a nice hope; but
3205) Believing the Easter Story (2/2) Read More »
    Few people get to live a life as blessed, as successful, and as prosperous as Thomas Jefferson. He was born to wealth and then lived in luxury all of his 83 years. He enjoyed good health for 82 of those years; only in his last year of life did he begin to fail. He
3204) Believing the Easter Story (1/2) Read More »
