What if Jesus had been born TODAY?! December 22, 2013

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Christmas is just around the corner, sometimes more literally than just on the calendar.  As I drove home for Christmas vacation yesterday, nativity scenes were everywhere.  Shepherds wearing their cloaks surround Mary and Joseph and the manger inside a wood and straw hut.  And more often than not, the Magi are depicted (although historically inaccurate) bringing their gifts to baby Jesus.  Still, what a well-known and powerful scene of Christmas.

Don't Miss Christmas! December 21, 2013

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A Christmas Poem
I love flannel shirts.
They keep me warm, yet make me feel "cool" at the same time.
I think they're stylish.
But even if I had all the flannels in the world, I wouldn't have complete warmth.

Peace: Idealistic or Realistic? December 06, 2013

(Image courtesy of http://libertychat.com.)

After spending a good Thanksgiving in Wisconsin with my family this year, I had to abruptly turn around and drive ten hours south to Tennessee.  On my lonely driving trips, I usually go through a few phases.

Of Butterflies and the Apostle Peter December 06, 2013

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Butterflies do not start out as butterflies.  This we all know.  They start out as a small caterpillar, devouring leaves, trying not to get stepped on or eaten.  After a while, change is called for, and the caterpillar transforms into a chrysalis (or cocoon).  Inside the chrysalis, the caterpillar goes through yet another

The 3 Types of Men December 04, 2013

(Image courtesy of Gladiator, 2000.)

"Where are all these people going?"  "What are their families like?"  "Why is that person walking down the sidewalk right now?"  If you have been around me long enough, you will know that I ask these types of questions from time to time.  I think it's because I enjoy watching people.  I honestly enjoy hearing peoples stories, or at least

Sin's Shame December 03, 2013

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For some reason, over the last few years, I have been searching for the answer to why we feel shame and guilt when we do what is evil. The obvious church answer is that we are apart from Jesus. This is true. But I wanted to