Hi everyone! As many of you know, I’ve been on vacation. And after a two-week break the Up! devotional is back! On this last Monday in August let me share a thought: Dr. Robert Galbraith Heath did some research on human behaviour. Electrodes were placed on areas of patients’ brains. When a button was pushed, … Continue reading The pleasure button
peace
Letting go of revenge
A lot of people wonder about Judgment Day. They’re curious about how and when it will happen. And trust me: there is no end of books that jump on the profitable bandwagon of speculation. But there’s a much-neglected facet to Judgement Day that can positively impact our attitudes in the here and now, regardless of … Continue reading Letting go of revenge
Dealing with stress…
Have you ever dealt with stress? Wow, all of your hands just shot up at once! Dr. Tim Cantopher explains that the word “stress” is from the world of engineering. Think of a bridge. When it is bearing a load that is heavier than it is designed to carry, it is “under stress.” With that … Continue reading Dealing with stress…
The barrier-destroying basis of our love
Oswald Goulter was a missionary to China for 30 years. On his return trip home, his boat made a stop along the coast of India. While there, he heard about some Jewish people living in barn lofts because they had been denied entry to so many countries. Since it was Christmas time, Goulter went around … Continue reading The barrier-destroying basis of our love
Things that renew you (not drain you)
Learning how to rest. That’s something I’ve been teaching and talking about lately. Why? Because of what it says in Exodus 20:8: “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” But this can be hard. Many of us know rest is important, but we don’t do it as much as we should. Life gets busy, … Continue reading Things that renew you (not drain you)
To make life richer…
At a recent small group gathering, a friend named David shared something he had seen on a fridge magnet: “To make life richer, make life simpler.” We all nodded in agreement. But HOW do you make life richer by making it simpler? Here’s a tip for those among us who resonate with this idea deep … Continue reading To make life richer…
What is the purpose of life?
A question most people ask at some point in their lives is this: What is the purpose of life? I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but our society seems to have an answer: 'The purpose of life is to be healthy and happy.' That’s certainly what the TV shows, talking heads, radio programs, advertisers, and … Continue reading What is the purpose of life?
An avalanche of gadgetry
Sometimes, habits that seem totally unrelated to your “spirituality” are totally spiritual. Let me tell you what I mean. We live in a time of increased gadgetry. You might even say that we live amidst an avalanche of gadgetry. For example, smart phones have become ever-present. And they can do everything except fold the laundry! … Continue reading An avalanche of gadgetry
Help for the relaxation impaired
I have a confession to make. I’m not very good at relaxing. What I mean is that it takes some work to calm my mind. When I’m supposed to be mellow in a semi-trance of blissfulness with my uber-cool sunglasses, my brain easily wanders back to my gargantuan to-do list. Can you relate? If not, … Continue reading Help for the relaxation impaired
The Great Disarmer
This week you will meet someone who upsets you. They might upset you a little. Or they might upset you a lot. Maybe they’re in your own family and say something to rub you the wrong way. Or maybe they’re a friend, classmate or co-worker whose actions scratch the invisible chalkboard of your brain. So … Continue reading The Great Disarmer
