I just got back from the Hallmark Store and was amazed at the variety and sizes of Valentine’s Day cards, gifts and knick-knacks one could purchase for their “loved one.” I began wondering if this whole Valentine’s Day was just another racket that the greeting card industry invented to drum up some business (yeah, they … Continue reading The Real Valentine

Back in the late 90’s was this movie called “Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion.” (Alert: this movie was rated R – primarily for language).  It’s about these two gals who want to impress their peers at their ten-year HS reunion. Apparently, they categorized themselves as part of the “B” group and they felt inadequate to … Continue reading No Comparisons

Back in the late 90’s was this movie called “Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion.” (Alert: this movie was rated R – primarily for language).  It’s about these two gals who want to impress their peers at their ten-year HS reunion. Apparently, they categorized themselves as part of the “B” group and they felt inadequate to … Continue reading No Comparisons

I have an annoying cold sore. It’s located between the inside and outside part of my nose (I know, too much information).  I feel it when I sleep, bathe, and especially when I blow (or try to blow) my nose. It hurts more than I like to be hurt. It certainly is not excruciating pain, … Continue reading Spiritual Cold Sores

One of our Whole Life Worship readers recently gave me a great idea to incorporate into Personal Worship: praying our schedule. As we close our Personal Worship with the Lord, we bring to him our schedule for that day: all the tasks, appointments, people, situations, and potential problems. As we pray for these upcoming items, … Continue reading Praying your schedule

At this moment, my family and I are watching Olympian athletes competing for the top prize of their sport. The performances are incredible. But what’s really amazing to us is their ability to press on: requiring years of dedication, discipline, and devotion. A few weeks ago, I preached a sermon about “pressing on toward the … Continue reading Aiming Higher

A couple of days ago, I was driving my youngest grandson, Aiden, to school. He asked for something to drink, so I pulled into the AM-PM store and bought a small bottle of apple juice. The clerk at the checkout was an older gentleman in his 60’s. He was very friendly. My total was $2.04 … Continue reading He must love God

(Doug, Lewis/Dad, Gary, Randy [taken in 2001]) God has blessed me with two amazing brothers (and two amazing sisters, as well – I’ll write about them at another time). My parents did well in raising their family in the ways of Jesus – even though Christ did not become “front and center” in our family … Continue reading Brothers of blood and faith

This weekend, during our “team time,” our worship team had a nice discussion about spiritual growth. I asked them, “What helps you to grow in your faith?” It gave me an opportunity to share about the “Six Spiritual Habits” that our church endorses as primary practices that help us grow. They are: Passionate Worship Authentic … Continue reading Helping each other grow

I received a lot of encouragement from Monday’s blog. I sensed that many of you resonated with the experiencing God when we do tasks in His name and for His glory. One of our whole life worship readers (my mom, to be exact – she’s one of my biggest fans; always has been) received a … Continue reading Dancing with God in Life