I grew up being taught to respect authority. If the person in charge gave instructions, I was taught to listen and pay respect to them because of their position. I have done my share of disrespecting authority. I struggle a good bit with “speed limit” signs and their authority over traffic. There are “Authorities” everywhere.…
This is one of those words in the English language that has double meaning but is similar. When I hear the word produce in certain situations, I think of lettuce, peppers, beans, squash…. fresh fruits and vegetables sold at the local market or grocery store. I believe that this might be a “southern thang/slang”. I…
As a Dad there are many treasured events that are stored up inside my heart. There are things about my children that I hope never fade from my memory. I remember things about their first steps, first Christmas, first haircut, first tooth. I also remember conversations that revealed their heart and how the Lord was…
If I ask for a favor, I want someone else to do something for me like a special treatment. Favor also means “an act of kindness beyond what is due or usual”. I don’t know many people who don’t like “favors” from others. As a Dad, I always want to do “favors” for my children…
This is a word that brings some unknowns to the table. I’ve been surprised a party before. I’ve been surprised by someone jumping out of a dark corner of the room to scare me. Surprise is not always a good thing. I like things to be somewhat predictable and normal as opposed to unpredictable and…
Sometimes timing can be bad and sometimes it can be good. There are times when I’m in control of the timing of something and then there are other times I’m forced to simply deal with the timing. I’ve said, “Timing is everything”. In certain sports and other applications, timing is the power behind the play.…
I’ve prayed for many years and I’m still working on the discipline of prayer. So many times in my past, my prayers were mostly desperation instead of conversation. I prayed like God was Santa Claus waiting to fill my wish list. I’ve had crisis in my life and then prayer looked totally different. I had…
I can remember the fear I felt the first time I gave a speech in High School. I can’t remember what the speech was about, but I know it was short. I was a nervous wreck. Now I’m not afraid to speak in front of hundreds or even thousands. I have found a comfort level…
I have read the Readers Digest pretty often. There are some great jokes and funny life stories in there as well. I especially like when they put a condensed version of a book and you can get the storyline and outcome of the book by skipping the details and getting to the heart of the…
I have faith. I think that I have deep faith. The reason I said I think is because I have doubt. I have had faith in God for a long, long time. I still nourish doubt in my life as well. I can’t seem to get it pushed out the door of my heart. I’ve…