Christmas is almost upon us.  This beautiful holiday dominates our December every year.  But how do we get the most out of it?  How do we prepare ourselves for it?     First, pause and reflect.  December is very busy for most people.  There can be travel or house guests, there are presents to buy and extra events to attend.  Make sure that you take a little time in these final days leading up...

      This life can be frustrating at times.  One minor example, I have called for a tow truck three times in the past two weeks.  I look around in my circles of family, friends,  and acquaintances and see health issues, conflict, financial challenges, prodigal children, stunning loss and struggling marriages.  As a result of a back injury several years ago, physical pain is a daily part of my lif...

     The Bible tells us to “fear not” 365 times but also has almost 200 verses that encourage us to “fear God” (The Awe of God, John Bevere, xv).  Clearly the Bible teaches that there is good fear and bad fear.  Bad fear is worry or anxiety on steroids.  But good fear is different.  Good fear is the fear of the Lord and it’s a virtue.  King Solomon in the Scripture wrote that the fear of the Lord ...

      My wife and I have five children, four are grown and married and now having children of their own.  One is sixteen and still with us, but the clock is ticking.  What are the keys to making an impact on the lives of your children and grandchildren?        First, generational impact is a team sport.  Our family has always been actively connected to the community.  Church is the primary vehicle...

      What has your anger cost you?  An important relationship, a job, your reputation?  In some extreme circumstances someone’s anger could even cost them their freedom because they physically hurt someone.  Even the great leader Moses lost the opportunity to enter the promised land because he acted out of anger.  I do want to acknowledge that some anger is good. We should be angry about racism, ...