When contemplating an action, should we care what people think? It is a question we all ask ourselves. Because we are relational beings, we need each other. We have a natural desire for unity. We want everyone to agree all the time, so we often find ways to compromise. Compromise is good and healthy, but … Continue reading What People Think
Grace Overflowed
The law entered in so that transgression might increase but, where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through justification for eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:20-21 Grace Overflowed The speed of evil Evil rushes towards us so quickly. For a while, everything … Continue reading Grace Overflowed
Fairy Tales
I have a soft-spot for fairy tales. They are an authentic way to tap into the stories of my Anglo-Germanic heritage. When people compare life to a fairy tale, they are asking whether or not it measures up to some beautiful ideal. But really, fairy tales are more often stories of fear, death, and magic … Continue reading Fairy Tales
The Patience of a Saint
I talked about the social vice known as arrogance. A social virtue that hits closer to home for me is patience. I desire that patience lead me to put the greater good above the good of being understood. This is the prayer of St. Francis. This is the patience of a Saint. A simple portrayal of … Continue reading The Patience of a Saint
Questioning the Question
Finding the question is such an important part of the thought-process. The answer is worthless without it. When I read a book, I may not understand how the author attempted to answer the question. But if I come away with an understanding of the question, I judge that I have succeeded in reading the book. … Continue reading Questioning the Question
Arrogance
[Bingley said,] "But there is one of her sisters sitting down just behind you, who is very pretty, and I dare say very agreeable. Do let me ask my partner to introduce you.'' "Which do you mean?'' and turning round, [Mr. Darcy] looked for a moment at Elizabeth, till catching her eye, he withdrew his own … Continue reading Arrogance
Faith
Therefore, we are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16 ____________ Faith Faith is trust. Trust in One Who knows better than we do. It is humility in action. Riches I am rich. The Lord has blessed me abundantly. He has … Continue reading Faith
Excessive Prudence
Prudence What is Prudence? The word "Prudence" comes from the same root as "provident": to foresee. Prudence is the habit whereby we try to act as if we can see the future. There are three steps in trying to act as if we know the future. First, you investigate the circumstances, try to know all … Continue reading Excessive Prudence
Unity Like Dew
How good and how pleasant it is, when brothers dwell together as one! Like dew of Hermon coming down upon the mountains of Zion. There the Lord has decreed a blessing, life for evermore! Psalm 133:1 and 3 Unity Like the Dew The rains have stopped. Summer has settled down for some heat. The land, … Continue reading Unity Like Dew
Simple
Wish we could turn back time to the good old days when the mamas sang us to sleep, but now we're stressed out... Stressed Out, Twenty One Pilots Responsibility In these days, we can use our power in every quarter. We readily have information on every subject under the sun. We can make our judgments … Continue reading Simple
A Grain of Salt 