Think About It

Have you ever been standing in a pristine place, looking at a wonderful vista; then been inundated with gnats, mosquitoes or other annoying swarming creatures?   When this happens, what is our typical reaction?   We tend to fuss about the critters and lose focus of the beauty.   Interestingly, when this happens, we probably aren’t harming many of the “gnats” by swatting at them, but we are missing out on the enjoyment of the moment by allowing them to annoy us.   Isn’t it interesting how a few itty-bitty insects can ruin an incredible view! Now, while this is true in our sight-seeing, it is also true in our day to day lives.   Have you ever had a pretty decent day be overcome by a few inconsequential problems?   Have you noticed how easy it is to lose sight of the big picture because we are so focused on the annoying minor inconveniences?   Like with actual gnats, when we focus on them, we are actually punishing ourselves.   That seems rather ...

How can we tell what’s in another person’s heart?   Now, I understand the warning about “judging others”, but there comes a point in time when we have to distinguish between good and evil intents.   It might be nice to have some sort of device that we could use to look into someone’s spirit, but we don’t have one, do we – or do we?   The wise man, Solomon, noted, “An evildoer listens to wicked lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.” (Proverbs 17:4).   I understand that there are some good actors out there who can use their dark side to promote their agenda, but for the most part we can assess another person’s intent by considering the outcome.   Are people hoping to see truth come from a situation?   Are people looking to promote what is best for others?   If things like these are their rationale, there is a pretty good chance they are approaching something with positive motives.   If they are looking to harm or discredit...

Forty-five years ago, my life changed for the better!   After dating Jeane for several months we were married on August 14, 1981.   For some of you this might seem to be ancient history, but to me, it doesn’t seem that long at all.   Every once in a while someone will ask me about the longevity of marriage and, while there is no one pat answer, as I look back, I see some principles that have made it work.   First, find someone who shares your core values.   The excitement of youth might fade through the years, but if you believe in the same things, you will have a solid foundation upon which to build a lifetime together.   Second, enjoy spending time together.   Sharing hobbies and interests is a good place to start, but just being willing to have fun as a couple can make the years enjoyable.   Another one that you might not hear too often is to find other couples your age who are committed to long-term relationships.   As I think about the...

Who are some of the special people in your life?   Have you told them that lately?   One thing about living for as many days as we do, sometimes the important things get swallowed up by the mundane things.   We get caught up in our routines and we just keep doing life one day at a time – until one day, everything is turned upside down.   There are times when this prompts us to refocus on the important, but every once in a while, what we wish we could do is no longer possible.   Have we ever looked back on something and said, “I wish I would have paid more attention to that” … or “I wish I would have spent more time with them”?   We can’t undo missed opportunities, but we can be more purposeful in taking advantage of the days we have left. Is there someone we want to thank?   Is there someone’s story we’d like to hear?   Is there somewhere we’d like to visit with that someone special?   Let’s make it happen now because we never know what t...

Wouldn’t it be cool if the whole world thought the same way we do?   Imagine how easy life would be if those who didn’t know Jesus would think the way believers do!   Now, on one hand, this might sound good; but it brings about an interesting question – who is going to give?   Believers and non-believers are so far apart, someone is going to have to give in and I don’t see the world changing anytime soon.   It might seem odd, but I believe there has to be a chasm between good and evil so that people can make a choice about which side they choose.   Sure, it might be uncomfortable to be in the minority, but let’s not give up our values just to get along.   The New Testament seems to highlight the need for conflict by noting, “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.” (Colossians 2:8...

One of the first things many of us learned to quote as children in Sunday School were the names of the apostles.   While many of us memorized their names by singing a song, Luke recalls them in this way, “And when day came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also named as apostles: Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; and James and John; and Philip and Bartholomew; and Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot; Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.” (Luke 6:13-16).   I was familiar with the names of these men at a young age, but it has taken me a while to appreciate their make-up.   It is easy to think of these guys as Jesus’ best buds, but a deeper dive into it reveals something interesting:   it was a diverse group of people.   Some were government workers and others were fishermen. ...