Markers in Time

This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.
—Psalms 118:24

It was only 25 years ago that America witnessed the first space shuttle disaster as the Challenger disintegrated before our eyes 73 seconds into her flight. Gone were the people who, moments earlier, had waved a confident good bye at the launch pad.

Do you remember where you were when you heard of it or saw the news videos? I know exactly where I was…at the church facilitating a meeting of hospital directors.

Chaucer and the Desk Clerk

A word fitly spoken is as lovely as a golden apple in a silver basket.
—Proverbs 25:11

What do nine inches of snow, three days of 14-degree weather, and a stuck semi trailer all add up to? An amazing adventure in moving; that if we had known it all from the beginning might have made us wait another month!

Add to this four hours of winching the semi up the snow-covered road, and then add eight hours of driving with two dogs, a trailer, and my wife in white-out blizzard conditions. Cathy provided an extra sharp set of eyes and encouraging words all the way!

Let Freedom Ring!

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind.
—Luke 4:18

On this day each year, our nation honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was more than 47 years ago that he spoke from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. You may have stood on those very steps when you visited Washington, D.C. He called the nation to let freedom ring:

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.'"

"This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, 'My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring.'"

You're on the Fridge!

Never stop praying!
—1 Thessalonians 5:17

It is the family communication center, hall of fame, and bulletin board with messages, shopping lists, homework, photos, and other forms of art adorning its metal exterior.

The fridge does more than keep food cold, it keeps hearts warm!

The King’s Speech

The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land where death casts its shadow a light has dawned."
—Matthew 4:16

His father, who had courageously led England through World War I, passed away a year ago. His older brother had abdicated the throne, choosing heart over kingdom. George VI, the younger brother, the reluctant leader, was now king, facing a Second World War, a kingdom in need of leadership and inspiration in the face of daunting challenges. George VI had a huge personal challenge, as he stammered so badly he dreaded public speaking, struggling to make himself understood.

His wife, later known as the greatly beloved Queen Mother, encouraged him to engage the help of a speech therapist to overcome his impediment. Exercise sessions, breath control, enunciation all resulted in a remarkable gift that helped lead the kingdom of England through their darkest days.

But the lesson was more than learning to overcome his challenges; it was about trust.