November 18, 2024
#1252 HOW GOD SPOKE TO ME TODAY
November 5, 2024 I’m having lunch on Friday with a young man I taught around 20 years ago. His name is Taylor Johnson and he is a stand-up Christian comedian–doesn’t surprise me because he is easily one of the most creative kids I ever taught. Karen and I went to see him perform and it was hysterical and touching and profound. It warms my heart to know I played a small part in the development of the person he has become. My favorite thing about social media is the story doesn’t end when they walk out of your classroom.
A little plug: If you have a church group or school assembly or youth group that could use an entertaining speaker, I heartily recommend Taylor and would be happy to put you in touch with him.
November 19, 2024
Golf Tuesday, an epiphany…
#1253 HOW GOD SPOKE TO ME TODAY
November 14, 2024 This happened to me on the golf course: I have finished the hole and I’m standing off the green waiting for the other three guys to putt out. I’m thinking about what I perceive to be an injustice in our handicapping system. I feel a gentle breeze and the sun glimmers through the trees and I am surrounded by greenness and God says to me: “Are you kidding Me? I’ve given you a beautiful day to do what you love to do with the finest of companions, and you want to fret about the slightest advantage that some other soul might hold? Why don’t you wake up?” So I did.
November 20, 2024
#1254 HOW GOD SPOKE TO ME TODAY
November 6, 2024 If you read my blog, you’re probably aware that I’m disappointed with the election results. From my limited, subjective perspective, we as a country have made a horribly wrong turn, but the key words there are “limited” and “subjective”. Mind you, I still think I have accurately assessed Donald Trump’s character. My mistake lies in ceding to Trump more power to affect my granddaughters’ futures than I give to the Lord Jesus Christ. Wrong. The future well-being of my granddaughters depends entirely upon Jesus, whether they or anyone else recognizes it or not. He has said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18). I believe Him.
November 21, 2024
#1255 HOW GOD SPOKE TO ME TODAY
October 7, 2024 “Anchored in Jehovah, I shall not be moved.” –Johnny Cash song. What a comforting thought! Everything in my life is subject to change–except that. I can never be separated from God, and if God is with me, nothing can possibly harm me. That does not eliminate suffering or sorrow or even doubt. It simply negates their effect, like Gandalf confronting the Balrog on the Bridge of Khazad-Dum: “You shall not pass.” I shall not be moved.
November 22, 2024
Billy Strings and Emily Dickinson in one post…nice!
#1256 HOW GOD SPOKE TO ME TODAY
October 27, 2024 “I’d sing along with the birds if I only knew the words…” Billy Strings
Karen and I have always loved birds–it’s kind of a motif in our house. My favorite zags between the mockingbird and the crow–I disqualify the raptors because they are too awesome. God will frequently use birds to get my attention–His way of speaking. He can get quite specific, tying image to thought. The profound Ms. Dickinson says it best: “I hope you love birds too. It is economical. It saves going to heaven.”
November 23, 2024
#1257 HOW GOD SPOKE TO ME TODAY
August 21, 2024 “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..” ((Hebrews 12:2). I looked up the verb “focus”: adapt to the prevailing level of light and become able to see clearly; or, more simply, pay particular attention to. My goal for the day: I will focus on Jesus. Should be an adventure.
November 24, 2024
Family Sunday, the elderly version…
#1258 HOW GOD SPOKE TO ME TODAY
October 1, 2024. One of my friends is bothered by my writing so much about aging and referring to my wife and myself as old. I know there is a stigma attached to being old (see John Prine’s Hello in There). It’s undeniable the ultimate result of being old is dying. But I find this to be a very gratifying stage of my life. Karen and I live more harmoniously than we ever have. I have the time and the desire and the will to pursue the things I am most interested in. By God’s grace, we don’t want for anything that is necessary or meaningful. I know this much: keeping our eyes fixed on God is the best way to deal with aging.
Leave a Reply