the source of joy
On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your level of joy?
finding joy in Jesus
We’ve all heard that God’s plans are more important than our own. And if you’re like me, you’ve nodded your head in agreement at the wisdom of those words. Yet when we encounter a situation in life where things don’t go according to our plans, we can often become devastated!
shattered dreams
A friend had been working at a job he loved for many years when he was suddenly laid off. He took another position at a new company, but the work was not as fulfilling and didn’t pay well. Then the first employer asked him to return, which he did with joy. Sadly, he and most of the workforce were again laid off just 7 days later. The other company wouldn’t take him back, and he’s now working a menial, low-paying job. His dreams of having a position he needs and loves have been shattered.
content with contention?
With its uncomfortable booths and tiled floors, the restaurant reflected the chill of the winter air. Having recently made the decision to take in foster children, my family sat waiting to meet a 7-year-old girl who needed a home.She was accustomed to transient relationships and began calling my parents “Mom” and “Dad” at that first trial meeting. Filled with great optimism, we believed we could make her world different—that she might be grateful and understand the nuances of healthy family relationships. We quickly learned her sense of normal was our definition of chaos.
flying
"Just at that moment the Lord of the Eagles swept down from above, seized him in his talons, and was gone.” —from The Hobbit
In his tale of an unlikely hero, J. R. R. Tolkien presents a vivid picture of unexpected and ordained rescue. Surrounded by wolves and goblins, Bilbo was certain that all was lost. He and his friends were…
reversal
The Erie County Correctional Facility recently experienced a role reversal in guard-inmate relations. It took place when an inmate broke up a fight between two correctional officers who were fighting over a bag of potato chips!
For many years, storytellers and audiences have enjoyed stories that include reversals—tales that follow characters from one extreme to the other. The Bible is…
two places
I asked myself two questions recently as I examined what guides me as I navigate life. What goes on within me? What goes on around me? I decided to break it down and take a closer look.
What goes on within me?
Faith
God
What goes on around me?
The world
Circumstances
I asked myself again, what truly guides me in this…
God’s love
Seventeen-year-old Chris sits on the sofa looking sullen. His father tries to reason with him and tells him with tears that he’s greatly grieved with him. Chris’ dad feels wounded by the ingratitude he’s received, even after lovingly caring for his son. In response, the boy snorts, “Really? Prove it!”
Sound absurd? Well, take a look at Malachi 1. The…
martyrville
A person recently lamented to me, “I don’t get it. Why do all my relationships keep breaking down? I want to get along better with my family and have closer friendships, but I find myself in nearly impossible circumstances over and over again.”
This person sounded so helpless. The pull to console him was strong, but it’s not what he…
circumstantial faith
We’re interested in your manuscript. Please call us next week.” With a mounting stack of rejections, the e-mail was the first positive lead I had received. I was grateful to see an open door, even if it was only cracked. However, as the time to call drew near, I felt impressed to wait. What would be the harm in just…
