On Dec. 17, 1903, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, two brothers made history that would change the world forever. That was the day Orville and Wilbur Wright were finally successful in getting their “flying machine” off the ground for the first time. Their self-propelled, gasoline-powered biplane stayed aloft for 12 seconds, covering 120 feet on its inaugural flight. Excited about their long-awaited accomplishment, Orville rushed to telegraph a message to their sister Katharine: “Success four Continue Reading
Let There Be Christmas… Even in the Darkest Days
“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Listen carefully, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and she will call his name Immanuel (God with us).” Isaiah 7:14 (AMP) My text app lit up with messages from all the moms in my teenage daughter’s group of friends from school. Each woman asking for prayers for various families who are going through the hardest valleys this Holiday season… A pastor who lost his wife last Saturday after complications from surgery. A Continue Reading
Word-Only Religion = Useless, Ineffective, Hypocritical {Atlanta Journal Constitution}
I read a story during my morning devotional this week that brought conviction to my heart. The anecdote touched me even more because it spoke of a subject that I had just been tested on the day before: steadfast kindness. It’s the story of an old man who always carried a small can of oil wherever he went. If he came across a door that squeaked, he would squirt a little oil on the hinges. If he tried to enter a gate that was rusty and hard to open, he would promptly oil the latch. Everywhere Continue Reading
Do Your Words Promote Peace… Or Provoke War?
The story of Abigail is found on 1 Samuel 25 Her husband honored his name once again by disrespecting a great man of war - worse yet, the anointed future king of Israel! Nabal, “the fool”, a rich business man, had denied hospitality to David and his men, even though David had blessed his household and offered peace. His folly angered the future king, who prepared his men for war. And then there was Abigail - wisdom and discernment personified. No, seriously. Abigail was the full package: Continue Reading
Sometimes Gratitude Is Changing Perspective {Atlanta Journal Constitution}
“For several minutes, we both sat silently watching the gulls soar overhead, listening to the surf break on the beach. Then Jones began to gather the empty cans and place them in the plastic bag. Standing, he extended his hand and helped me to my feet. ‘Incidentally,’ he said with a smile, ‘you ate sardines and Vienna sausages in the sand. I dined on surf and turf with an ocean view.’ He slapped me on the back. ‘It’s all about perspective.’” The text above is an excerpt from one of the most Continue Reading
Two Lessons on Thanksgiving in One Day
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 It happened last Sunday. As churches across America started celebrating Thanksgiving week, I had a front-seat opportunity to witness thanksgiving attitudes from two opposite altitudes: the valley and the mountaintop. I was walking into the choir room when I saw her. She had her usual smile across her face, but her eyes were shining with Continue Reading
