I stopped into a local fast-food restaurant for a late lunch. The teenager who took my order was obviously a new employee who was still being trained. When my food appeared, he stuffed it into a paper bag. I was waiting at a nearby table, … Read more
Search Results for: "Matthew 20:"
When Grace Is Missing
I attended a Christian retreat where the guest speaker asked this thought-provoking question: "How would you feel if God pardoned a repentant murderer who prayed a simple prayer of salvation from his deathbed?" At first, a hush fell over … Read more
Memorable Gifts To Share
Years ago, my uncle walked from his workshop — the behind-the-hedge kitchen piece of the former old farmhouse — then he came out across the grassy house yard and into the kitchen of the newer house. He held out his hammer to me. He knew … Read more
The Names Of God
While waiting for everyone to arrive for Bible study, one lady proudly showed us a picture of her first grandson. We all congratulated her. Then, someone asked his name. "You'll never believe this — it's Royalty! His dad says that he … Read more
You're Free To Go!
One Sunday when I was driving to church, I was stopped by the police … so I thought. I saw those familiar flashing lights and pulled over. Another car pulled in behind me, followed by the cruiser. As I reached for my insurance form, the … Read more
A Cry For Mercy
Several years ago, I received the following anecdote from a clergyman and saved it: There is a monastery whose members gather around a new candidate and ask, "Why do you want to join?" Candidates may say things like "I am seeking peace", … Read more
My Greatest Hero
My dad was a hard-working engineer for most of his life, and he provided for my mother and our large family as well as he could. Like most of his generation, he was a proud man and would rather do an honest day's work for an honest wage … Read more
Second-Place Chili
One year, members of a singles' church group that my son was attending planned to hold a chili contest. A lady from the group volunteered to make some chilli, but no one else was signing up; then, my son asked me to participate. When I … Read more
Jesus Christ In Isaiah
In a world with so many different spiritual writings, why should anyone pay special attention to the Bible as a revelation from God? For me, convincing evidence comes from the fact that Isaiah, living 700 years prior to Jesus' time … Read more
Washing Dirty Dishes And Feet
My friend, "Brooke", hosted her own birthday party recently in the social hall of her church. Three of her five children, their children, their grandchildren plus two great-grandmas, one great-great-grandma, and friends came to share in her special day! Brooke … Read more
Bibs To Aprons
Gran never took her apron off unless she entertained company in the front room. Her aprons served as splash collectors, pot holders, egg carriers, and wash cloths for a fevered child's brow. I never saw her use an apron to … Read more
Jazzercise And Leadership
I have been an elder in my church for twenty years, but recently, becoming a Jazzercise fitness instructor has given me new insights into my role. Much advance preparation went into the learning of routines for the audition/examination. There were … Read more
Serving Others
Recently, on our way home after delivering a sermon tape to a member of our congregation who was ill, my husband brought our car to an abrupt halt. On looking up, I saw an elegant deer standing directly in front … Read more
Measure Of Success
"Climb that corporate ladder." "My goal is to be a department manager within five years." "I get so tired of having to answer to someone else. Some day I am going to be my own boss." We live in a … Read more