I was visiting with an old friend the other day and he told me that he and his wife had just been with his mother-in-law to celebrate her 98th birthday. I asked how she was doing. My friend said her legs were wearing out so she just moved into an assisted living facility. […]
3362) Remembering Sins Read More »
Randy Pausch (1960-2008) was a Computer Science professor at Columbia University. What made him famous was a lecture he gave at his university, a lecture that has now been viewed by millions. Columbia University has what they call a ‘Last Lecture’ series, an ongoing series of lectures in which professors appear in a large auditorium
3351) How to Apologize Read More »
Charlotte Eliot was born in England in 1789. Her parents were wealthy, and for 20-some years she lived a care-free, fun-filled life. Then, she was struck with a crippling disease, and by her early 30’s she was a bedridden invalid. She became depressed, bitter, and angry at God. She would often be rude
3310) Just As I Am Read More »
Abraham Lincoln’s religious beliefs have been the subject of much discussion and debate. In his early years, he was accused by political opponents of being an “infidel” and a “scoffer at religion,” and not without reason. He made no secret of his skepticism, and he often ridiculed what he saw in the backwoods,
3291) A Terrible Hater Read More »
By Eric Watkins (above), pastor of Harvest Orthodox Presbyterian Church in San Marcos, California (from November 2023 Christianity Today) ——————————————– I was born outside the church—very far outside. Neither of my parents were Christians when I was a kid. We were a military family, my dad a Marine, and we bounced around several
3270) Meeting Jesus on a Greyhound Bus Read More »
When I was preaching every Sunday, I often struggled with what to say on Mother’s Day. Of course, I would say “Happy Mother’s Day” during the announcements, and then, in the prayers I would give thanks to God for our mothers. But beyond that, I wasn’t sure what else I should do. Many people
3240) Mother’s Day, Guilt, and Mephibosheth Read More »
This story can be found on the internet, and it is told in a variety of ways. It may or may not be true, but it contains a good lesson. Professor Smith teaches religion at a small Christian college. He is known for his elaborate and creative object lessons. One day, the students
3221) Throwing Darts Read More »
Desmond Tutu on Forgiveness: To forgive is not just to be altruistic. It is the best form of self-interest. It is also a process that does not exclude hatred and anger. These emotions are all part of being human. You should never hate yourself for hating others who do terrible things: the depth
3186) Extreme Forgiveness (2/2) Read More »
Pictured above: Desmond Tutu (1931-2021) and Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) ———————————– The nation of South Africa is 90% black and 10% white. Until 1993, the white minority ruled, establishing a strict, racist society. Blacks were second class citizens, denied basic human rights, and kept in poverty. Any dissent was brutally crushed. Kidnapping, torture, and
3185) Extreme Forgiveness (1/2) Read More »
Photo above: George Steinbrenner and Yogi Berra, January 5, 1999 —————————– On March 3, 1991 Rodney King (at right) was severely beaten by four Los Angeles Police Department officers after a high-speed chase. Rodney King was black. Three of the four officers were white, the fourth was white and Latino. The whole event
3184) It Can Be Done Read More »
