Holocaust Remembrance Day

Over the years, I have read books and watched many documentaries about the Holocaust.  They are heart-rending.  But the most impactful evidence for me have been personal experiences with Holocaust survivors and their liberators.  When I attended Dallas Theological Seminary in the late 90s, I remember going to see Shimon Peres speak at the Dallas …

Delayed Gratification

Do you have a bucket list?  There certainly are many experiences I would like to have before I die. I have always wanted to go on an archaeological dig in Israel.  But a lack of time and money has always held me back.  Same problem with all the places I would like to visit - …

How to Get Started in Digital Missions

The COVID pandemic provides both limits and great opportunities. We may be stuck at home, but everyone is going digital! This week I finished the online Cru training on Core Doctrine. The last module was on the Great Commission, the command of Jesus to go to all the nations and make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). Then, …

Meditation in the Mountains

This past Sunday part of my family went out into the Willipa Hills of Southwest Washington State.  The view from one high ridge was spectacular!  We saw the Chehalis river valley, the Olympic Mountains, Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens.  My heart praised God for the beauty of His creation.  My stress level always lowers …

The Peace of God Guards Our Hearts and Minds

"Castillo de San Marcos" by Photo by Sahi S on Unsplash Last month I discussed Philippians 4:6. In that verse, Paul tells us not to worry about anything but to bring our concerns before God.  Worry shows a lack of trust in God.  Now we look at the next verse which discusses the results of …

Are you worried?

We are living in difficult times.  There are protests and political turmoil.  We read about persecution around the world, especially Asia and Africa.  Many of those same areas are suffering from drought and severe plagues of locusts.  This week Mexico suffered an earthquake.  And in the midst of all this, we each try to do …

My Heart Grieves

Photo courtesy of WBLS News at WBLS.com I have always been saddened when I hear about another black person dying from apparent police brutality.  But I noticed a somewhat different reaction upon hearing of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.  You see, my grandnephew Daniel married LaPrea last week.  Why did this event significantly …

Forced Lent?

With the quarantines and Stay-at-Home orders around the world, people are unintentionally sacrificing personal freedom for Lent. For those who did not grow up in a faith tradition that “celebrates” Lent, these 46 days prior to Easter are intended as a time of fasting, moderation and self-denial with the purpose of repenting of our sins …

Shortages and Stealing

The COVID-19 pandemic is causing shortages.  The Supply-and-Demand basic law of economics states that prices rise when a commodity is in short supply.  But in many states, marking up products during a disaster is illegal. According to D Magazine, “As of April 1st, over 4,000 price-gouging complaints have been filed with the Texas Attorney General’s …

#WeRemember

“Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it.” ― Edmund Burke Today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day.  Seventy-five years ago, the Soviet Army liberated the prisoners at Auschwitz in Poland.  The vast majority were Jewish. Almost all the survivors have now passed. But we must remember what happened. I remember Andy Rooney's testimony …