An interesting Associated Press story last month highlighted what they call “The Nincompoop Generation.” It seems we have on our hands two whole decades of young people are are highly adept at computing, but terribly inept at everyday life. Photo by DanaBC, used by permission The article talks about one poor teen who didn’t know how to use a can opener. The mom said this, “Most cans come with pull-tops these days. I see her reaching for a can that requires a can opener, and... Read more
Jesus saves, but who’s saving Jesus? There have been a number of thefts at Nativity Scenes across the nation. It seems that thieves have been robbing the cradle, snatching baby Jesus from the watchful guard of angels, shepherds and parents. Without the baby, it’s just a crowded barn scene. Mary suddenly looks out of place. She was stroking her promised child, now her hands are brushing air. Joseph, bowed in humble prose, now prays for a rapid return. “Who stole our baby?” ... Read more
I’m a red-blooded American man, well equipped to take on most of life’s challenges. I can live off the land if necessary, negotiate at the business table and lead the team to victory. But put me in a mall, and I am reduced to just another dopey guy, caught in the glare of a million lights, every one of them reminding me that time is running out. I long for any other season except this one, full of “one-day sales,” “early-bird... Read more
It was a lonely December in Adana, Turkey. As a 21-year old airman with a wife and a new baby, this was my first Christmas away from home. Every morning before dawn, the loudspeaker outside our apartment would broadcast a call to prayer. A few faithful Muslim men would shuffle up to pray, feet bared, bowing toward the rising sun. It was a brew of smells, sounds and sights that stirred up my sense of wonder. It was a strange feeling holding... Read more
On Tuesday, I wrote about an interesting photography project about those who were once blind who had their sight restored through cornea transplants. They were given a camera and an assignment. “Take pictures of what you missed the most.” You can read the story here, but think about the concept. Around here we talk about souls that are born-again and hearts that are regenerated. What if the same principle could be applied to our eyes? Once pure and flawless, we could clearly see this... Read more
I love my sight and count the treasure of the visual wonders of this world as some of my richest possessions. But what if I lost my vision? What if the vibrant world of color suddenly became murky, void dark. What if the textures and hues from the sky disappeared. What if the grains and specks of detail were gone. What would I miss the most? There’s an interesting photography project about those who were once blind who had their sight restored. Modern... Read more
If you’ve spent much time in the blogosphere, you’ll agree that it’s a vast wasteland — with wonderful oasis’ of retreat scattered in the desert. Today, over at The High Calling, I featured some great writers from around the network. It’s a joy to find places that refresh, challenge and encourage me. And maybe you, too. One of the posts really jumped out at me is called Ahem. by Nancy Franson, who blogs at Out of My Alleged Mind. My mother was a... Read more
Paratroopers On the other side of the battle front lies the territory. Once a fertile land, the people have been held hostage by the ideas of those who only wish to destroy. The people are held hostage. They are left without communication with the truth. They sit and wait, huddled in their homes, looking for Land of the lost 2a) Let God do his work so you can do yours (something about stayingfocused on doing the basics and getting out... Read more
Justin, over at businessasmissionnetwork.com The greatest “unrealized potential” in the Christian movement for the next 20 years probably rests on the shoulders of Christian business people. That’s great news for every Christian person who loves business. Talk about a life of adventure. What more could you ask for when your faith and your love for business intersect? The marketplace is the only institution that touches virtually every person on planet earth. Pastors are very limited in their direct exposure to... Read more
I just read an amazing rescue story about a three-year old girl who dialed 911 when her mother collapsed. Her mother had been ill for a few days and eventually collapsed with no other adult on hand to assist. The little girl had learned about the 911 system in daycare and remembered what to do. She even let paramedics in the house when they arrived. Rightly so, she’s now lauded as a hero. Last week in our bible study group, we discussed watching over... Read more
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