Link to the Hope for Tethered Hearts post

Hope for Tethered Hearts

When I teach at church on the topic of generosity, I usually ask people to pull out their wallets. Some do it right away; others hesitate. It’s a simple object lesson, but I can always tell who’s...
Link to the True Love post

True Love

I’ve never really been a fan of Valentine’s Day. I wonder if its consumer-oriented nature has contributed to our collective misunderstanding of what love really is. I know that might seem a little...
Link to the Forever Left Behind post

Forever Left Behind

Years ago, I was listening to a pastor on Moody Radio who recommended a prayer for those seeking money. "Lord, give me not so much money that it interferes with my following you wholeheartedly."
Link to the Living with Zeal and Hope post

Living with Zeal and Hope

A few years ago on a gloomy Sunday morning, I arrived at Willow Creek in Crystal Lake hoping for the Sunday sermon to work its usual magic by filling my soul and setting me on the right path for the...
Link to the What’s the Secret? post

What’s the Secret?

I must admit, I love reading the stories in the Old Testament way more than I love the New. I am always amazed at how I relate to those stories so well. 
Link to the Wise Counselor post

Wise Counselor

If you asked me, it was my dream vehicle. I had planned for us to order it brand new from the factory with all the bells and whistles.  It was a little out of our young family’s budget, but if we...
Link to the Keep Holding On post

Keep Holding On

Scroll through today’s news headlines or your friends’ updates on Facebook or Instagram. People everywhere are facing many kinds of trials. It’s an unavoidable part of life. My guess is that you...
Link to the Eyes Glued on God post

Eyes Glued on God

I looked up at the clock. The class was only halfway through, but I wanted to leave. Every muscle in my body ached, my heart was racing, and the five-pound dumbbells felt like 55. I had taken this...
Link to the If It Is Possible post

If It Is Possible

The other day I heard about a new 2024 Illinois law on the morning news. This law makes it unlawful for someone from the public to come in direct contact with a bear or “non-human primate.” Next...