“You’re in a season where joy and happiness should be a daily staple, but you’re totally numb and exhausted. You question if you’ll ever be able to feel that joy and happiness again.”
–Author unknown

Buckle up, folks; it’s here. The Christmas season’s now in full bloom. The halls are decked, the tree is decorated, and the outdoor lights are shiny and bright. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday have come and gone, but shoppers soldier on, determined to check […]

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer.”
–Maya Angelou, American poet and author

First, my annual list of some of the things for which I’m thankful. Then, a few thoughts on gratitude.

During this Thanksgiving week, I’m particularly thankful for:

• My faith in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Without faith, I’ve got nothing.

• Family, both mine and my church family.

• A strong marriage.

• Being born in the USA. I’m one of the millions of […]

“I don’t want to live in the kind of world where we don’t look out for each other. Not just the people that are close to us, but anybody who needs a helping hand. I can’t change the way anybody else thinks, or what they choose to do, but I can do my bit.”
–Charles de Lint, Canadian author

As I write this, my town is in the midst of its third day of rain–nothing heavy, mind you, but nearly always present, […]

“In the silence of the heart, God speaks.”
–Mother Teresa

On my runs (a word I use liberally), I frequently encounter folks out for a walk who don’t respond when I say “Hi” or if I wave. Typically, they’re using ear buds or wearing head phones, seemingly oblivious to what’s going on around them. Perhaps they’re making a statement that they’d prefer not to be bothered.

You might say, “Well, they’re listening to music, or a podcast, or maybe even an audiobook or […]