Today is my son’s (Jonathan) 21st birthday. Today is a reminder of God’s special gift to Letty and me. Let me tell you the story behind this: It was about 24 years ago that Letty and I considered having a third child. We had been blessed with two boys, Tim and Daniel. We thought that … Continue reading Gift From Yahweh

The bruised and smoldering wick that I wrote about last week served its master well. Most of my tea lamps last two, maybe three, days before burning out. This wick lasted five days – kind of like the Hanukah story! I watched it give out its last bit of light before it flickered off. I … Continue reading The Blazing Wick

My good friend, Krista, shared this story with me. She started her day right, with a great Personal Worship Time with the Lord. She was charged up, filled with the Spirit and ready to glorify God through her day. She decided to bless her husband by making him a smoothie before they headed out to … Continue reading When We Still Cry Over Spilled Smoothies

A week ago I had the privilege of preaching on Whole Life Worship at Newborn Church (Pastor Felim Valentinus), the young adult congregation of the Indonesian Christian Church in Rowland Heights, CA. They are a delightful group of 15-30 year olds who want to change the world for Christ. It was a very refreshing experience … Continue reading One Quarter at a Time

One of my favorite sports movies is, “For the Love of the Game” (1995). It stars Kevin Costner as an aging Major League baseball pitcher who is contemplating retirement as he pitches one last game. My favorite scene (and it’s probably the main reason why I watch this movie) is when he is on the … Continue reading Clearing the Mechanism

Two weeks ago, Letty and I got to baptize our grandson, DeeJay. Actually, DeeJay is technically our step-grandson as he is our daughter-in-law’s son from a previous relationship before she married our son, Daniel. But for all intents and purposes, to us DeeJay was always our grandson; even before Daniel and Casey got married. DeeJay … Continue reading The Biggest Prayer We Could Pray

Jesus made a remarkable statement, one that stunned his disciples in Matt 18:3, when He said:“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.”You can picture their minds racing: What does that mean? How should we become like little children? And how does that … Continue reading Childlike vs. Childish

I typically begin my Personal Worship Times with God by lighting a candle. It’s not for ambience (although it is pretty cool), but as a reminder of God’s presence with me through the Holy Spirit. This morning as I started to light my candle, I noticed something: the wick was bent over and caked with … Continue reading Bruised Reeds and Smoldering Wicks

Today, Letty and I celebrate an anniversary. No, it’s not our wedding anniversary. It’s the anniversary of when we became “boyfriend” and “girlfriend.” Back then we called it “going steady.” I think nowadays they call it “going out” – which sounds more like what I do when I don’t feel like cooking! But I digress … Continue reading A Peculiar Anniversary

(In case you are wondering, this is a reblog. Trying to catch up after a busy and challenging week - thanks for your patience!) You’re probably thinking, “You forgot a word, Doug. It’s ‘Thank God it’s Friday.” Actually, it’s intentional. I know the popular phrase (and the restaurant bearing that name). I want us to … Continue reading Thank God Friday!