The Secret to Deep Change

The Secret to Deep Change

It saved his life. Without an organ transplant, a dear friend was destined to die young. By God’s grace, a donor was found, and the transplant was a success! However, the new organ presented its own challenges. His immune system identified it as a foreign substance...
Does Anyone Ever Really Change?

Does Anyone Ever Really Change?

It is my friend’s stock answer. Whenever someone chides her about altering her ways, she smiles coyly and says, “Does anyone ever really change?” It’s become a joke between us, but the deeper question is no laughing matter. Not long ago, a study showed that when...
Your BIG Goal

Your BIG Goal

“What’s your BIG goal in 2024?” For fun, I asked this question at our recent New Year’s Eve party. It stopped people in their tracks. “Um, I don’t know. I haven’t really thought about it.”  But within seconds, most of them knew. “Lose 20...
The Golden Bachelor & Being Chosen

The Golden Bachelor & Being Chosen

It surprised everyone. When “The Golden Bachelor” promo ran in late summer, many wondered, “Who will watch twenty-two 60-to-75 year old women vie for the heart of a 72-year old man?” Apparently, quite a few. Last night over 6 million people tuned into the finale to...
Forgiving Myself

Forgiving Myself

Suddenly, a casual conversation turned into a hushed confession. Choking back tears, the person across from me struggled to squeeze any sense out of something gone so wrong. Once the story spilled, a long silence was broken with a whisper, “I just can’t forgive...
Forgiveness 201: Do I Have to Let My Offender Back In?

Forgiveness 201: Do I Have to Let My Offender Back In?

It’s real. Someone hurt you, badly. There was a betrayal of trust, a callous insult, a rejection or an abuse. Now, you are seething with anger inside. Since the incident, bitterness has become your constant companion. Pricey We’ve all heard that forgiveness will free...
Jail Break: Getting Free from Unforgiveness

Jail Break: Getting Free from Unforgiveness

I witnessed it just the other day. Someone’s name was mentioned, and it touched off a firestorm in the woman next to us. Her face hardened and her voice lowered. Veins began to pop in her neck. She had no idea how bound she was by bitterness, but those around her...
A Christmas Story, Circa 1998

A Christmas Story, Circa 1998

It happened when our kids were very young. The three of us, two-year-old Zach, nine-month-old Jane, and very old Daddy were on a quest to get “the Christmas picture.” Somehow Mommy had conveniently scheduled this for a time when she was working.   The Picture...
The Holidays and You, Happier

The Holidays and You, Happier

Each holiday season comes with expectations of a warm home coming, good food and joyful celebrations. Unfortunately, these cultural assumptions only accentuate what many long for and don’t have. It’s no secret that struggles with loss, anxiety and depression often...