“The last three years have been painful – physically and emotionally…” begins an email from a close friend who was suffering from work-related injuries dating back to the year 2000. These injuries have not only affected my friend (“It’s been a long battle and is getting tougher.”), his dire circumstances have also taxed his dearRead more
The conclusion of 2016 has been delightful for me. A beautiful Christmas eve service focused our family on the birthday of our Savior. Christmas Day worship added to the “usual” yet extraordinary and traditional expectations of Christmas Day with family, friends and especially grandchildren. Judy and I were blessed to have the entire family minusRead more
“Merry Christmas!” Or should I say… “Happy holiday!”? Does it make any difference which terms I use? Recently, the doctrines of political correctness have militated against the use of the words Merry Christmas. Many people have taken offense at this, strongly suggesting, even insisting upon the greeting, “Merry Christmas” as an expression of orthodoxy. OnRead more
My grandchildren enter my room: “Good Morning Pop-Pop!” “Good morning kids. How are you this morning?” Silence – my grandchildren have already been “sucked into” whatever advertisement is on TV. This is what advertisements are designed to do – to advertise – “to draw attention to a product, service or event in a public mediumRead more
The Story Of the First Thanksgiving Our Pilgrim ancestors were Englishman and women who had fled from religious persecution to the Netherlands. In Holland, they were treated as second-class citizens and were not able to provide for their families or enjoy the freedom to worship as they had wished for so long. From a groupRead more
I woke up this morning thinking, “Oh, this is the day after the elections. The final returns must be in.” When I turned out the light on the previous night, Mr. Trump was winning and had all but won the presidency. When you back a winner usually you are happy. But I was not. IRead more
Saturday started out like many other Saturdays. This time, in the Lord’s Providence, we had an aide to help assist me with my morning routine. She did an admirably good job for the first time; we were pleased. Next, I had my daily “quiet time.” I focus my attention upon the Bible, God’s word. ThenRead more
“What’s the use? I’ve done the best I can! It just doesn’t seem worth it. Even though I try to do what is right, I lose out. Everyone else seems to do better as they just look out for themselves. I’ve had it – I can’t take anymore… What’s even more frustrating is the apparentRead more
No matter where you look, you see, trouble, turmoil, confusion, hurt, hate… Police shootings in Charlotte and Tulsa reveal the precarious position of our country. But wait! This is an election year. There will be big changes and opportunity! I don’t think so and neither do most of the people I meet. I thinkRead more
Unbridled enthusiasm and expectation – he could hardly stand still, eyes gleaming, hands gesturing and huge smiles on his face – Jonathan, my six-year-old grandson, gleefully began reciting a project he had been working on in school (homeschool). He was so excited that he had to begin several times. Each time he continued withRead more