Monthly Archives: January 2013

I would like to encourage you to participate in a small exercise.  Try it right now if possible.  Imagine for a moment the only expectations in life are the one’s God has shared with you in His Word.  This means … Continue reading →

People cheat to meet expectations.  They are driven to do almost anything to earn the favor of others, or to achieve their personal dreams.  There is no good excuse for cheating, but most of us understand the power of the human … Continue reading →

“Keep your eyes on your own paper!”  Every teacher knows the importance of these final instructions and every student understands the consequences of failing to heed them.  Occasionally, a teacher might provide the following philosophical addendum: “If you do look … Continue reading →

I encourage others to find areas of their lives they can control, while reminding them not to be so consumed they forget to lean on God and the people He sends into their lives.  Talking through a crisis is usually … Continue reading →

In my own life I appreciate a larger group knowing my struggles,  but I only reveal the full extent of my pain to those I trust not to share my heart with others.  We are all different in this regard, … Continue reading →

I believe discovering what we need most is the key to taking our first step when our faith has been rocked by a trial.  The answer is certain to vary.  Some people need to be held and reassured the people … Continue reading →

How then, do we organize our steps?  Unfortunately, our struggles don’t come to us on a test sheet with three or four possible solutions.  Instead, they flood into our lives like huge tidal waves, and as we fight to regain … Continue reading →

When Jesus’ brother James told us to find joy in our trials because they develop perseverance, he added, “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:4).  Maturity doesn’t occur overnight, … Continue reading →

On June 13, 2012, Michael Sokolski died.  Sokolski was the Polish-born American engineer who invented the #2 Pencil Test sheet.  Actually, the test sheet he developed is known as the “Scranton” for which he also invented an optical scanner. If you … Continue reading →

Secondly, I am personally convinced God hears my prayers, and on occasion alters my circumstances.  When this happens I am overcome by joy, and filled with praise.  God uses my testimony to encourage others in their faith and draw attention … Continue reading →