Category Archives: Faith and Family

Faith and Family

My wife and I have observed that in life there are two levels that people operate at. The first level is the day to day level where we work, pay bills, distract ourselves, and just generally get by. The second level is when we are aware of, or even focused on, the things that really matter, like our relationship with God, our family and friends, and sharing our time and resources with those in need. Continue reading Faith and Family

Better than a Hallelujah

Today was one of those rough days for me.  Not because anything tragic happened but just because it was a Monday morning, I had to get up at 4AM, I was on an airplane heading away from home, my allergies were acting up so my eyes were itchy and my sinuses were so bad I had trouble hearing most of the day, and my weekend was so wonderful that the contrast of a 14 hour day of work seemed unbearable.   By the time I got in the rental car I felt purposeless, lonely, like a hamster on a wheel, and just generally down-trodden. Continue reading Better than a Hallelujah

God’s Global Purposes – A message for “good” Christians

I thoroughly enjoyed this week’s message at North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, GA but more importantly, I realized that the intended audience was people like me….people that have been so focused on God’s personal and moral law that we have been distracted from understanding and participating in God’s global purposes.  The message is a call to “good Christians”….great, you are living right….but what about the Ninevites? Continue reading God’s Global Purposes – A message for “good” Christians

What Is Our “Christian” Responsibility to Haiti?

A woman rescued from the rubble in Haiti

When you first heard about the recent calamity in Haiti, what was your initial response? Was it sadness, depression, pity, compassion, or grief? How long did that emotion stay with you?

As you continue to hear about the chaos and depravity in Haiti, has it already become old news to you? Do you change the station for the promise of a possible new tragedy or celebrity mishap to offer you some sort of entertainment? Do you hear the fundraisers and pleas for resources and quickly dismiss them because you think that someone wealthier or more powerful than you is in more of a position to help?

Most of us have a natural tendency to assume some one else will take care of it. But, as Christians, those “someone elses” are supposed to be US!  Reflect with me on the following: Continue reading What Is Our “Christian” Responsibility to Haiti?

Margin: A foundation for happiness

I was flying home from Indianapolis last week after a hard week of work and school.  I was exhausted and craving time with my family.   My plane was on the final approach for Atlanta and it was already dark so all I could see were the lights of homes and businesses spreading out all the way to the horizon.

I began to think about all the people, striving to own a little more land, a little bigger house, and a nicer car.  I started thinking about all the stress and anxiety that must exist just below me because of the down economy, strained relationships, hectic schedules, etc.  I also wondered how much happiness, joy, contentment, and fulfillment I was flying over.  I began to think about my own happiness and the goals I have set for my life and for my family.  I realized that what I am craving in life is not more money or success but simply time with my family (specifically time when I am not preoccupied with financial burdens, distracted by work, or cranky from exhaustion, stress, and personal commitments). Continue reading Margin: A foundation for happiness

What’s on Bethany’s mind: What does God “highly esteem”?

SuccessI came across this in my reading today, and the second part of the verse really jumped out at me.

Luke 16:15  And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.

So what do you all think “for that which is highly esteemed among men” is referring to?  Continue reading What’s on Bethany’s mind: What does God “highly esteem”?

Contrast: Nidal Hasan vs Pervaiz Masih

I was doing my routine scan of today’s headlines and stumbled across a video on CNN that I think is the ultimate contrast to the recent events at Fort Hood.  Instead of a wealthy, educated, Jihadist targeting non-Muslims, this story is about a poor, illiterate, Christian saving Muslims – both died living out their faith.  Not sure if it fits in with the other content on this site but I thought it was worth passing on: Continue reading Contrast: Nidal Hasan vs Pervaiz Masih

One Hypocrite, Coming Right Up!

(Disclaimer:  For the purposes of this post, I will be making an analogy between a vegetarian hypocrite and a Christian hypocrite.  I in no way mean to imply that vegetarianism equates to Christianity, or that carnivores are carnal.  I am merely trying to draw a parallel between those who are inconsistent in beliefs and behavior.)

I heard about a new kind of sandwich the other day that truly intrigues me.  It is served by a burger joint called “Fatburgers”, and  is apparently a frequently requested order by some of the regulars.  The main two components of the sandwich are a veggie-based burger and . . .  bacon.  That’s right, bacon! It is no wonder the sandwich is affectionately dubbed “The Hypocrite” by all who order it. Continue reading One Hypocrite, Coming Right Up!