How’s Your Sense of Direction?
A group of friends vacationing together in Maine decided to take an all-day hike. Hoping to avoid the crowds of summer tourists that traversed the popular trails, they decided to …
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Like It’s Your Last
In the 1994 film, “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” the humor present in the first three weddings is absent when death comes to one of the characters in the fourth …
When Good Enough is Never Enough
Among the most well-known ancient Greek philosophers is Socrates, who is remembered for his teaching methods that employ probing and thought-provoking questions. But there is another philosopher by the name …
Just Let Go!
Robert Murray M’Cheyne is revered in Scotland as one of that nation’s great Christian Preachers. Although he died at an early age, he had already become a household name in …
Words to Live by
A recent seminary graduate with an advanced degree in sociology was called on to deliver a speech to a group of seniors in a retirement community. For what seemed like …
Three Chaplains
In Eugene O’Neil’s story “Days Without End,” John Loving, a Roman Catholic boy, prays that his parents, who have been injured, might not die. But their lives were not saved …
Compassion Fatigue?
There is a psychological condition known as “compassion fatigue.” Sometimes referred to as the negative cost of caring, it is characterized by emotional and physical exhaustion leading to a diminished …
Looking for Ideas?
Comedian Paula Poundstone once quipped, “Adults are always asking kids what they want to be when they grow up because they are looking for ideas.” Indeed, life’s journey offers us …
Not My Way
There is a primitive bridge in South America made up of interlocking vines which support a precariously swinging wooden walkway — hundreds of feet above a river. Author Philip Yancey …
What’s After Chapter 11?
There’s an old story about a little Church that was having a homecoming service for members who had moved away. One former member who attended was a man who had …
The Case for Pickled Herring
Two women were interviewed and asked to explain their remarkable longevity. The first, age 100, said she believed she lived such a long life because her diet includes a daily …
It Sure Looks Like Him!
A little girl was leafing through a children’s book of Bible Lessons. When she came to the story of the loaves and fishes, she stopped turning the pages — gazing …
A Dog’s Life
With so much turmoil, political discord, and violence in the world, a very caring teacher decided to dialogue with her sixth graders each morning before the day’s lessons. As you …
Love Supreme
With a seemingly profound sense of humility, the great saxophonist, John Coltrane, wrote the following in the liner notes of his breakthrough album entitled, “A Love Supreme.” “During the year …
The Wonder of it All!
On the fireplace mantle of a beautiful stone mansion, the following words are inscribed: IF YOUR HEART IS COLD MY FIRE CAN NOT WARM IT How true! Fireplaces cannot warm …
Zero Star Hotel
Many of you are familiar with the popular travel sites where you can find great hotels in idyllic settings. Instead of relying on the hotel’s marketing hype, you can choose …
Don’t Be a Fool!
Once upon a time, there was a king who had everything the world had to offer. But despite all the money, power, and prestige he possessed, he had a significant …
On the Lord’s Side?
The great scientist, Isaac Newton, was a man rooted in prayer, which is to say, rooted in God. He once said: “I can take my telescope and look millions and …
That’s Me!
If you have ever been to Niagara Falls, you may have seen the boat called “Maid of the Mist.” One man who took a tour of the falls on that …
Our Troubled Land
After a week-long prayer and meditation retreat, the participants were asked to write their impressions. One man wrote: My ambition to succeed had taken over my life to such an …