“Oh, it was like Heaven on Earth, I tell you!” Have you ever heard someone say that? I have, many times. The sentiment is that an experience may be so wonderful that it approaches the divine. In this usage, Heaven carries with it a traditional, worldly thinking that everyone can borrow from. In general, it […]
Like Heaven On Earth Read More »
Disclaimer: this blog focuses on well-intentioned people, not lazy ones. We tend to focus on things that must be done. We make lists, we share them; heck, we even name them (e.g. “honey do list”). We are industrious when motivated, which historically has been the source of much so-called progress. Look at America, for example.
Don’t Let Neglect Sneak Up On You Read More »
Since Christmas day falls on a Sunday this year (2022), we celebrated the previous Sunday at North Christian Church in North Dighton, MA, as family. The very next day at my secular job, there was palpable tension and even raised voices as someone threatened to quit – stress had manifest itself into an outburst through
Merry Christmas, My Dear Family Read More »
When I was in grade school, an award (along with a patch) was given to the top 15% of students as part of the President Physical Fitness Award Program (PPFAP) created by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Each student was put through a battery of seven physical tests: 1) Pull-ups (for boys), modified pull-ups (for girls), 2) sit-ups,
Fitness Is a Way of Life Read More »
I was having a conversation with some folks the other day about how we, as humans, are prone to focus on things that detract from our joy in life. We could have a hundred good things happen in a day and one bad. Which would we perseverate over? The conversation reminded me of the parable
Singing a Song of Gratitude In the Face of Sadness Read More »
There’s a natural tension that persists in the lives of believers. Although we’d love it if once saved our fleshly tendencies were suddenly gone and the world left us alone; the truth is that our enemies will remain until the day we die. We must learn to cope with this reality, namely stress borne by
Suffering Outside the Camp Read More »
I’ve been teaching about stress from the pulpit lately. The series has been wonderful for the congregation. The last key principle from our most recent message was: When experiencing stress, pray to God for faith to deliver you. In other words, if you lack faith, then go to the one source who is capable of
Obedience Relieves Stress Read More »
Most of us exist in a bubble. We’re comfortable there. The older we get, the smaller the bubble becomes, in general. We cordon off aspects of our lives that either no longer interest us or pose a threat to our peaceful little existence. By the end of our lives, most of us will be pretty
Stepping Outside of Your Comfort Zone Read More »
A fisherman sets out for the day. He pushes off the shore in his fourteen-foot aluminum boat. He has his tackle box, and the gas tank is full. He’s not going too far this morning as he still has some yard work to do before the party this weekend. He’s glad he took his wife’s
How to Handle Stress Read More »
When I was a kid, random noises were nigh debilitating to me when focusing on a single task. This “handicap” affected all aspects of my life, including my work and behavior at school, my athletic endeavors (try making a free throw when you can’t focus on the hoop), and even my relationships. I’m convinced, as