Was there a favorite child in your family? Can you imagine growing up as one of Jesus’ siblings? If you’re anything like me, you probably had that one sibling who you just knew was your parents’ favorite child, regardless of how they kept reassuring you they loved all their children equally. He or she was the perfect kid who made straight A’s, made all-state in sports, won the county-wide science fair and spelling bee, and volunteered in his spare time... Read more
In 1753, Linnaeus designated the tree Theobroma cacao, which translates to “cacao, food of the gods.” If that statement is true, it makes me wonder why God didn’t send chocolate from heaven instead of manna when the Israelites were wandering in the desert for forty years. Admittedly one might argue that chocolate might not fare so well in the desert heat, but God, being omnipotent, could surely have done something to overcome that little problem. I’m also willing to... Read more
Which Biblical author has the worst run-on sentences? In my quest to be a better author, I am trying to learn to avoid common writing mistakes, such as run-on sentences, showing rather than telling, and author intrusion. But as bad as my writing faux pas are, I’ll tell you who was the worst at run-on sentences—the apostle Paul. Yes, the apostle Paul, who wrote over half of the New Testament. Look up Ephesians 1:3-14. (It’s too long to print.) This... Read more
I try to have quiet time with the Lord every day. I really do. I am the pastor’s wife and the adult Sunday school teacher, for heaven’s sake. I’m supposed to lead by example. But the devil just knows when those times are and if he does whatever he can to sabotage my time with God. It can be totally peaceful for an entire hour, but I guarantee the minute I sit down to read a devotion or pray,... Read more
What does Scripture say about physical beauty? Scripture tells us we should not place undue emphasis on our outward beauty. 1 Pet: 3:3-4 says, Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. I am also aware through the Word and general observation of... Read more
Suicide? I once had a client call me in an outrage the day after I neutered her cat to tell me the cat was dead. Dead! This is every veterinarian’s worst nightmare—to have a routine surgery patient die unexpectedly. I racked my brain. There had been absolutely nothing out of the ordinary with the neuter operation. There was no bleeding, everything was tied off neatly, the anesthesia went well, and the recovery was quick. The cat was young and healthy,... Read more
I am woman, hear me roar-especially at bugs I am all for equal opportunity for women. After all, I am one. And I’ve personally experienced gender discrimination. So, having established that I am all for women’s liberation (I am woman, hear me roar, and all that), I do have to say that there is still one area in a man’s world where I truly believe no woman should dare to venture. What might that area be, you ask? Killing... Read more
Why Women Can’t Find Jeans That Fit Is there anything more frustrating than trying to find a new pair of jeans that actually fits? I’m obviously talking to women here, as men simply walk into the store, look for their waist size and length, and buy jeans without even trying them on. They do the same thing with swim suits. It is so unfair! But back to the ladies’ jeans. You ladies know how you have that one pair that... Read more
The secret to what your dog is thinking As I was standing in line at the grocery store the other day, a magazine article happened to catch my eye. The title of the article was something like, “Now we know what dogs really think.” I don’t remember the exact title because I couldn’t bring myself to spend money on the magazine simply to learn the secrets that live in the minds of canines. A dog whisperer My first... Read more
Thou shalt overlook the fact that thy pastor is but one man. He should be able to do it all. That’s what the church is paying him the big bucks for. He should not only be the spiritual leader and equip the members for the work of the church, but he should dispense godly counsel, visit all the sick and homebound, take care of every administrative detail, head all special events and committees, handle benevolence needs, fix the toilets, mow... Read more
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