If you only had a few minutes to get out of your home in an emergency, what would you grab on your way out?  For most of us it would be documents, photos, and things that we could not easily replace.  If you have thought about this hypothetical situation, you might have already selected a special place you keep these items close to the nearest exit.  But what if you want to secure these things fur...  Read More

If you have shopped the scented candle aisle at the grocery store recently you might have come across fragrant names such as “Grandma’s Sugar Cookie” or “Mom’s Apple Pie.”  Those familiar scents are marketed not by accident.  Scientists have shown how aromas trigger memories of comfort and safety.  We all know that Clint Black taught us that a melody can bring back a memory and Yogi Berra coined “...  Read More

What is the shortest distance between points A and B? A straight line, when measured on a flat surface!  One of the flattest places on Earth is Saudi Arabia! According to Guinness, Highway 10 was built as a private road for King Fahd, in the west of Saudi Arabia and is 240 km (149 mi) long. It cuts through the desert with no bends left or right. The super-straight stretch has an estimated driving ...  Read More

If you have had the pleasure to tour the neighborhoods in older cities in our country you might have noticed an oddity that you don’t see too often nowadays.   Two front doors.  If you are like me, you probably assumed that these homes must have been early duplexes but upon inspection, many of these old homes were constructed as single-family dwelling, but with two front doors. So why two entrance...  Read More

There is a great article out from LifeWay Research today that explores the relationship between age groups and church attendance.  There has been a lot of talk recently about the rise in church attendance in Gen Z.  This fact has brought great excitement among church leaders, but the research reveals the younger age adults are more hesitant to make application of what they are being taught.The art...  Read More

Have you ever had the thought “I’ve gone too far for God to use me?”  A past sin, purposeful disobedience or you might think it’s simply too late for you; here’s hope!  The Bible is full of examples of everyday sinful people that God used in wonderful ways after their sinful behavior was disclosed.  You might reply to that, “well those are Bible folks, that’s why they are there!” True, but those m...  Read More

With the full summer travel schedule in play, many of us are heading out on the roads and airports to spend some time away! As my daughter reminds me, my favorite destination is AWAY!  So, as you head out, “away” from the routine, what’s the best way to prepare before you travel?  Reflecting this morning, I am reminded of my dad’s mother and her routine before going anywhere away from her home.  M...  Read More

If you are having trouble finding someone with a good sense of humor, you are not alone.  It’s almost as if we have lost the ability to laugh at the everyday occurrences of life.  I don’t know if this is due to the political environment of the past few years, the increased difficulty of life or the absence of joy in the hustle of what has become the accepted routine of day-to-day existence.  As I ...  Read More

I’m always looking for a way to challenge myself and our church.  A focus and call to mentoring the next generation is never wrong.  What helps is when I can find research to support what I observe and then try to influence change and growth in that area.Today, I read more about LifeWay Research’s latest findings on Generation Z and their involvement in the local church.  Most people assume that t...  Read More

Early last month it was reported that the government had met with “influential Christian pastors” to discuss a release of UFO documents that would change how Christians view the Bible and their faith.  According to reports, the pastors were given a “heads up” so that they could prepare their followers for shocking revelations about UFOs which may upend belief in the Bible.  Perry Stone reported th...  Read More

I’m always on the lookout for inspirational stories.  Especially when I can use them to challenge church members who think they have nothing to offer due to age, injury or sickness. Over the years, I have enjoyed helping those who face physical challenges find their place of service within the church.  I am encouraged by those that could use their disability as an excuse, but choose not to and fin...  Read More

Most of us grew up playing board games.  Candyland, Chutes and Ladders and Pop-O-Matic Trouble were my sister’s favorite.  As we grew older, we graduated to more sophisticated games like Connect Four and Hungry Hungry Hippos. That is, until our mom had to take them away because our competitive natures would cause more fights than fun! Later on, one of our favorites became Jenga! This is the game w...  Read More