The Irony of Weekend Snow

Dearest Rachel – They tell us that we’re in for a real dose of winter starting today, and going well on into tomorrow, honey – somewhere in the neighborhood of six inches to a foot, depending on who you listen to. It’s that time of year, after all, and for all that I make anContinue reading “The Irony of Weekend Snow”

It Goes Both Ways

Dearest Rachel – Last night’s dream may have been short on details, but could be considered a source of all manner of speculation, I suppose it’s worth telling you about and getting into such speculation. Besides, as a Whovian yourself, time travel questions were always your jam, in a way – and it’s not asContinue reading “It Goes Both Ways”

I’ll Never Quite Get Used to It

Dearest Rachel – I have this goal regarding travel that, one day, I’d get to the point where it’s a perfectly normal thing to show up at the airport, get on a plane, and be on my way to wherever it is I’m wanting to go without another thought.  It’ll be almost a routine thing;Continue reading “I’ll Never Quite Get Used to It”

Intentionally Insensate

Dearest Rachel – Yesterday, after treating Kris to sushi (we were making good on a rain check from the week before, when she had to run out quickly after finishing her work on the house), Daniel and I made a couple of stops on the way home. They were mostly just ordinary grocery stuff, butContinue reading “Intentionally Insensate”

from Rachel: Praise to the God of Heaven

Rule for victorious living: when the stakes are high, bow down low. Please read Daniel 2:19-30. When did the revelation come (v. 19)? “during the night” To whom did it come? “to Daniel” If you can think of a time when you were in this position, share it. “I can’t think of any times withContinue reading “from Rachel: Praise to the God of Heaven”

from Rachel: A United Family of Man

Think back on times you’ve taken long trips with people, family, or not. Based on those experiences what makes traveling together particularly challenging? “sometimes lack of personal space and privacy, just trying to have fun instead of getting on anyone’s nerves” Think of someone with whom you enjoy traveling. What makes it work? “Randy –Continue reading “from Rachel: A United Family of Man”

Trying to Keep Up in Oahu

Dearest Rachel – I promise this will be my last reference to Peppo’s Pidgin To Da Max, but this morning has me remembering a cartoon of a bright and cheery bus driver addressing his load of tired tourists with a clearly booming “Aloha, keiki! Get da kine makapiapia outta you eyes! We get plenny fo’Continue reading “Trying to Keep Up in Oahu”

from Rachel: The Obstacle of Unbelief

According to Isaiah 57:14, what must be removed? “the obstacles” If the king found the path unprepared, he’d bypass the village and withhold his blessing. What are some obstacles you’ve battled in previous efforts to live the liberated, abundant life in Christ? – “Procrastination – “slothfulness – “love of TV – “love of computer gamesContinue reading “from Rachel: The Obstacle of Unbelief”

It Happens Every February

Dearest Rachel – You might or might not remember it, but Bill Engvall used to do a routine about how we humans (news folk and weather forecasters in particular) have the shortest memories, particularly when it comes to recurring events, like the change in seasons. In Texas, where he came from, it was guaranteed that,Continue reading “It Happens Every February”

Bolt From the Black

Dearest Rachel – It was half past three; I checked almost immediately after it happened. My mind was just wrapping up a dream about a flight that was forced to land in the packing lot of our church’s Des Plaines campus when there was this thunderous explosion, as if it was coming directly from ourContinue reading “Bolt From the Black”

Zeno’s Pillbox

Dearest Rachel – At this rate, I wonder if I’m ever going to finish these pills. Or, for that matter, how I’m expecting to cut them any further. First, the good news. Remember that issue I had with my thumb a week and a half ago? As you’ll recall, they prescribed a couple of pillsContinue reading “Zeno’s Pillbox”

from Rachel: How Real Servants Act

Question to consider: Real servants make themselves available to serve; pay attention to needs; do their best with what they have; do every task with equal dedication; and are faithful to the tax they have been given. Which of the five characteristics of real servants is the most challenging for me? “(six – maintain aContinue reading “from Rachel: How Real Servants Act”