For the better part of six months now, we have been dealing with coronavirus restrictions and changes. Our schools, jobs, recreation, shopping, and even our churches have had to do things differently. Every aspect of our lives has been touched to some degree. As a preacher, I have some serious concerns over what all of this is doing to individual Christians and to each congregation. But there is one concern I have that is greater than any other. What is it? Well… My biggest concern is NOT lower attendance or giving numbers. Yes, it is difficult to preach to a room that is half-full (or less), but I know that…

“Mrs. Smith, we need to see Johnny in the principal’s office please.” Words like these are usually uttered in a stern tone and send fear into the heart of many elementary students every year. I think it is interesting that we teach children to remember the difference in “principal” and “principle” is that the one ending with “pal” is the person at your school and yet no one wants to be called to their “pal’s” office! Well, let me tell you, it doesn’t feel any better as an adult! Now, anyone who knows me well knows how much I respect my principal. She is caring, professional, supportive, and kind. She…

Imagine knowing you have wanted to find someone for years–even decades–only to be brought together by coronavirus. That actually happened to two women in Nebraska recently. They were sisters, but had been separated for over 50 years. Sisters by the same father, but not the same mother, they both knew each other existed, but could not find contact information. The older, now 73, contracted coronavirus and suffered a fall in her weakness, breaking an arm. She had to go to a nursing home for at least part of her recovery. The younger, 53, works as a medication aide at that exact nursing home. When she looked over the patient list,…

Recently, a group of my “besties” and I enjoyed a girls night at a business that has somehow convinced people to pay to work! We went to a venue where you preselect the project of your choice and, once there, you do all the work. Well, at least some of the work. You sand, distress, stain, paint, drill, and decorate. So why would people pay to do all of that? It’s because it is all prepared. The boards are already cut to the right length. The holes are marked and pre-drilled. The design is created on a stencil and the guesswork is taken out of the stain and paint colors.…