Growing up in the 1960s, in Columbus, Ohio, our neighborhood was “one big happy family.” People felt safe leaving their doors unlocked. Neighbors often just knocked and walked in. Everyone knew everyone’s name. Kids could ride bikes and play outside without worry of being abducted, often being out of sight of the adults. When it …
In today’s culture, a word that gets thrown around is the word “peace,” most often used in the context of conflict or violence. It conjures up a picture of Hippies flashing peace signs as they protested the Vietnam War, opposing nations sitting down at a table to sign a peace accord (that will not last) …
I originally wrote this back in 2003. I repost it every year in the days leading up to Christmas. I think it important that we look beneath the words found on the pages of scripture and not simply gloss over them, missing the power and beauty of the where of Jesus’ birth. We can all …
I once worked for a company where the owner changed the rules as often as the ocean tides. What was expected yesterday was often very different from what was required today. We needed a staff meeting every morning just to give that day’s marching orders. And as the manager charged with carrying out those marching …
Not too long ago, the people companies used to sell products and services in television commercials were often not easily recognizable faces. But today, and it is certainly true during the Christmas season, many advertisers use “celebrity endorsements” to sell their products and services. The focus seems to have shifted from quality and affordability to …
For most of us, the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are filled with nonstop activities. It is run run run. Rinse and repeat. In the busyness we often end up “turning away” all that makes this season so joyous and beautiful. We need to be very intentional about creating time and space to just sit …