What Not to Swear

The heavenly hosts look at the subject and shake their heads. “Okay, let’s go in,” one says to the other.
In a flash, they’re standing before a startled woman who stumbles back in shock. “Do I know you?” she asks.
“I’m Cleo,” one offers.
“And I’m Stephania,” chirps the other.
“And we’re the heavenly hosts of ‘What Not to Swear!’”
“But I don’t understand,” the woman (more…)

A Cold Day in Almost Heaven

We almost didn’t go. We almost missed out on one of the most fun family outings of all time. And I almost missed out on what might have been God’s purpose for my whole trip.

We had arrived in West Virginia, from which my family hails, the previous day. At most elevations, snow was on the ground, though just barely. Only two (more…)

 

“I don’t have any parents.”
The words sounded cold and hard, like metal against bare skin on a winter day. I recognized the voice as my own, though it felt distant and strange.
I had responded to a simple question – “What about your parents?” – in the course of a conversation about my mother-in-law’s health. My answer was reflexive, like a sneeze (more…)

What’s Will Be Your New Year’s Revolution?

As you look back on 2012, ask yourself what set this year apart from, say, 2011 or 2010 or 1994, for that matter. And then ask yourself whether it really matters.
This past year brought a lot of changes in my life. One big change was a greater degree of professional success. But, honestly, that doesn’t matter. What does matter is how (more…)

The Giver of Good Gifts

We put so much thought into Christmas presents, and they are such a source of stress. Will the recipient be happy? Should I include a gift receipt? Did I spend enough? Did I spend too much? Will our gifts even be remembered in years to come?

Some of our gifts may get packed away  or even regifted. But still we give, because (more…)