Dear ______: Sorry to let so much time lapse between letters. Thanks for your note, and I’m sorry that writing is proving to be such a struggle. You are in good company. If writing is part of what you do for a living then inner turmoil is probably another part. You can find a lot of professional […]
The Secret to a Life-Giving Lent
Here’s the paradox: Lent is a serious season, but it is part of a joyful process. Here’s the problem: The stereotypical approach to Lent does nothing for either side of the paradox. You know what I mean. People pick something to “give up for Lent” and they are done. Nothing very serious. Nothing very joyful. […]
A Free Gift! Now That’s Something to Be Thankful For
Nothing sparks gratitude in my heart like a free gift. Well, maybe not just any free gift. Lots of things are given away because people don’t want them — take a look at your local Goodwill drop-off station. Then there are those gifts that seem free but you know they have a hidden price — […]
Lessons in Thankfulness: Teachers
When you are a kid, your teacher makes a world of difference in your life. I have some vivid memories of the horror that was first grade. I was a bright kid, but I had a teacher whom I can’t help but remember as a not-so-green version of the witch from the Wizard of Oz. […]
The Little Known Secret to Seeing God at Work
Last week I posted on John Beadle, the English Puritan who wrote the first book on journal keeping as a spiritual discipline back in 1656. It is an odd book — Beadle could have used a good editor. It is also a wise book — he has excellent advice that can make journaling a fantastic […]