I’ve always enjoyed stunning photographs of flowers, but I’ve wondered why I never notice flowers like that in the wild. Then one day I saw a photographer in a park, with a huge lens about an inch or two from a tiny little flower. It dawned on me: the flowers are really small, so I... Continue Reading →
I don’t let many in on my thoughts or feelings. Over the years, it seems a bit safer. I don’t know about you, but it’s how I’ve become. I kind of think of myself like a glass jar. If I’m transparent, a little tap will break it, spoiling everything inside. But then, I think... Continue Reading →
Last week, I noticed a clipboard abandoned on a table. It held things that might be useful, “just in case.” It occurred to me the Bible is like a clipboard. It’s filled with spiritual “just in case” thoughts. For instance: “Wisdom that descends from above” is “full of mercy...without partiality...without hypocrisy.” (James 3:17) I need to... Continue Reading →
In India, women like to stain their feet and hands with a light, reddish-brown color. They call it Mehendi. It’s beautiful. But there’s a reason for this fashion—the daily grime of living in poverty. It’s a beautiful cover-up. Spiritually, I beautifully cover-up my selfishness and pride under the color of the good that I do... Continue Reading →
I had just bought a small birdhouse basket. At home, I noticed a small natural gap in the wood. So, I decided to use some carpenter’s glue and a small nail. After the repair, I realized that the basket was stronger than it was originally. And isn't that how it is, in Christ? We’re filled... Continue Reading →
I sat in my friend’s driveway. So, I noticed the bricks in his house, each absolutely identical. Then I began to notice that each one was actually quite unique. They’re identical only when I don’t pay attention. People too—we look, and maybe even act like so many other people.But God created us as individual. He knows... Continue Reading →
I always enjoy huge windows. They let me enjoy nature while protecting me from the bugs and weather. But neither can I experience the joy of God’s world in person. That’s the cost of protecting myself. I do need to be prudent. I don’t need to be rash. But when I try to avoid pain... Continue Reading →
It seems that everywhere town planners put beautiful trees and bushes next to their buildings. And we do it to our homes too! It’s as if we want to enjoy parts of nature, but be protected from the rest of it. I feel this way about God Himself, sometimes too! I want Him near me.... Continue Reading →
My wife loves flowers of all sorts. And she sees beauty where I see little or nothing. One day she planted a seedling in a really ugly blue plastic coffee can. I asked her why that ugly can? She explained: “When the flower is strong enough, I’ll re-plant it in a place that shows off... Continue Reading →
My neighbor, 7 year old Bingham, wanted to have a squirrel eat out of her hand, but naturally, the squirrel was afraid, so wouldn’t come to her. So she laid the food by the tree and waited at a distance. Every day. After a month, she waited a bit closer to the food, and moved... Continue Reading →
