My grandfather (on my mother’s side) was an ordained United Brethren preacher, a denomination whose roots go back to the Great Awakening in the United States during the late 1700’s. Grandad Marrs came to Jesus later in life and felt …
Nearly 130 years ago a British historian named Lord Acton accurately described the selfish heart of man. In a moment of brilliant clarity he penned, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” The thirst for power is the …
As a child I was surrounded by adults that were avid coffee drinkers; everyone seemed to enjoy the pungent, black beverage except me. I did like the smell, but I’ve never been able to appreciate the taste. Back then, when …
Growing up on various Air Force bases around the country we got used to a number of unusual things. Planes taking off and landing right overhead, monthly inspections of our house and lawn, no backyard fences, the constant presence of …
I have a good friend named Rick, who I have known for over 30 years. Rick is just ‘ordinary people,’ and even though we have not lived close to each other for many years now our friendship has endured. When …
Have you ever noticed how nothing in this world stays full? Fill up the gas tank and in a few days it’s empty again. Fill up the ice box and it disappears quickly. Fill up the checkbook and by the …
There are times when we want to ignore the responsibility we have of living in this world. These responsibilities make demands on our time, money and effort – especially during the holiday seasons when everyone is advising you to slow …
My maternal grandfather was a great fisherman. At least I thought he was a great fisherman, mainly because he would take me with him! When our family had the opportunity to spend time at granddad’s house down in southern Louisiana, …
Most of us would like to think that Christmas time, with all of its variety of activities and gifts, is centered around the idea of Christmas love – and we really should! But love is such a many-faceted expression in …
For most of us Christmas brings back a flood of memories. Some of them are good and some of them are not so good, but most of the time we remember the warm things that have helped us define the …