suffering

Be Present – the Greatest Gift

It’s 11am, 4 days into our 5 day getaway, a break from life that was way overdue but also will be far too short. We will pack up tomorrow not only the clothes we brought, the wheelchair I now need and finally used almost all the time but also the memories of what I can only describe as what my marriage should have been every day for the last 37 years. Sadly, it has not been like this. I understand that not every day can be a holiday, but every day can be a great joy. I can face all that comes my way with God and my wife, the only person that I would ever want to face the good and more often the bad things that just are life.

(more…)

When It Hurts Too Much For God

Sometimes it seems that my hurt is too much for God. I know that no theology supports this conclusion. I know that the messages I have heard in no way mirror this idea. I know that the Christians in my life would never propose this as even close to a biblical truth. Still, it seems possible, maybe even true, because sometimes it feels like my pain is too much for God.

(more…)

Guilt, A Useless Emotion?

I am not sure where I heard it said that guilt is a useless emotion. It could have been the always brilliant and insightful daytime talk show hosts. Maybe it was a talk radio interview. It also could have been a TV drama or a blockbuster movie. All I know is it seemed to make sense at the time. I am follower of Christ. I’m sure it wasn’t a Christian source but still I am forgiven and my sins are as far as the east is from the west ( Psalm 103:12NIV)so guilt must be a useless emotion, right?

(more…)

Is Fear Really That Bad?

Before you answer any question, it is probably best to ask a few of your own. A little free advice from one who often just blurts out what he thinks, sometimes before the entire question is asked, don’t! You probably know people like me. You probably find them annoying and maybe even don’t like them. Along with my “little free advice,” I will give you three insights into me. This will also be free! I find people who blurt out answers with little thought and sometimes before the question is finished, annoying too. The second free insight is, I don’t like them much either. Speaking of free, I might need some free counseling to address the fact I don’t like myself and find myself annoying.

(more…)

Objects In The Rear View Mirror…

…are closer than they appear. If you drive you have read this; hopefully not while you were driving! The curve of the mirror distorts the image creating the appearance that it is further than it really is. While this is helpful to know when changing lanes or backing up it is even more useful when we apply the premise to our walk with Christ. When we look back, there are times in our lives that God seems so far away. Our human perception like the rear view mirror can distort how we see God. Add the lies of Satan and not only does God seem far away but the road behind seems so dark it’s as if the light of the world was nowhere to be found.

(more…)