From My Heart

Well, we are at it again. The social media wars are in full swing. Everybody is mad... or at least upset. The memes are flying both ways. Is this really the most productive way to handle a conflict? In Luke 10:25-37, we find the story that has come to be known as the Good Samaritan. In the story, a man is beaten, stripped and robbed while traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. He is left for dead alongside the road. Other than that, we know absolutely NOTHING about this man. (But that's a story for another day...) As he is laying there, not one but two religious leaders pass him by. Not only do they not help him, they cross the street to get away from him.  We live in a nation of people who for one reason or another, have been beaten, stripped, and robbed of their faith in God. Other than that, for the most part we know little to nothing about them. We don't know how they have been hurt, how they were raised, who taught them what to believe. This is not a random act of v...

Several years ago, Larry and I had the chance to cross off one of our bucket list trips when we went to Alaska. We were not disappointed. It is a spectacularly beautiful place and we were able to see things we may never have the opportunity to see again. In addition, we did it all with great friends and some incredible memories were made. Now, I feel like I am a moderately adventurous person and I love to try new things. BUT.... I am afraid of heights. Or maybe a better way to say it might be I am afraid of falling. So when the entire group decided to go zip lining, I was terrified. On the other hand, I  didn't want to be the only one in the group wouldn't do it - the party pooper, if you will - so I agreed to go. The day came and we got all geared up. The practice runs were nothing. We got to the first big line and I was nervous, but it was a nice, tight line and seemed pretty stable. I took off. Flying through the trees was wonderful. I thought, "I CAN DO THIS!...