A Little Bit of the Griswolds in Us All
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” – 1 Timothy 6:6-8 I tend to spend a great deal of time thinking about the future, and I doubt…
Finding Peace in Uncertainty: A Story of Faith & Gratitude
The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:6-7 These words have always been a source of…
Faithfulness in Small Things: The Parable of the Talents Revisited
His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness. Matthew 26:21 One of the most vivid frustrations of teaching—something that still sticks with me even after retiring—was seeing perfectly capable students just…
What Faith Looks Like in an Unraveling World
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. Psalm 46:1-2 Four years ago, I stepped back into my school building alongside my fellow teachers, returning for the first time since we’d left…
Enduring Like a Mighty Oak: Finding Strength in Psalm 1
Living along the Texas coast, in a place named for its mighty trees, I’ve often marveled at how they’ve weathered fierce tropical storms and destructive hurricane winds. If you look closely, every mature tree bears scars—marks left by relentless storms, brutal summers, and the pests they’ve survived. But these scars aren’t just blemishes. They’re marks…
A Con in a Can: The Relentless Chase for More
How often have you found yourself chasing something that seemed perfect, only to end up feeling disappointed and empty?” When I was a kid, the idea of a ham in a can (from an exotic, faraway land like Denmark, no less) was fascinating. I think the first time I saw one was in a mail-order…