John Bunyan was a Christian who had his share of ups and downs, including time in prison for his beliefs. He was separated from loved ones, including his wife and children. Instead of beating him down, his hardships built him up. They refined and fortified his faith. In a biography about his life, the following … Continue reading Humbly. Thankfully. Gladly.
thanksgiving
Look for the good
I read about a psychology experiment. Some of the participants were sad. Others were happy. The entire group was asked to descramble messages. There were a variety of phrases which could be made. Here’s what happened. The people who were already sad created more sad messages, even though happier ones were possible. And people who … Continue reading Look for the good
Contributors, not just receivers
Here in Canada it’s Thanksgiving Monday. Even though it’s a tough time, there’s a lot to be thankful for. I’ve got a gratitude list the length of the Great Wall of China. But today I want to think about thankfulness from another angle. There was a time when the ancient Israelites were exiled from their … Continue reading Contributors, not just receivers
A simple ‘Thank you, Lord’ — from Little House to yours
Here in Canada it’s Thanksgiving Monday. I remember an episode of the iconic Little House on the Prairie. The dad and farmer in the family was Charles Ingalls, played by Michael Landon. It was harvest time. He walked through his bountiful field, swaying his hands through his beautiful crop. As he did so he looked … Continue reading A simple ‘Thank you, Lord’ — from Little House to yours
Comparing highlight reels to your behind-the-scenes
More and more of us are spending time on social media. And before you think I’m anti-social media, I’m not. I just think we should be realistic about the role it plays it our lives—both positive and negative. One of the negative things is that it can depress us. I’ve read about a few studies … Continue reading Comparing highlight reels to your behind-the-scenes
He wants your whole heart — and your heart whole
Your mental health and well-being is critically important to your overall well-being. It matters to you, the people around you, and God. Max Lucado says that God “wants not only your whole heart; he wants your heart whole.” But mental health doesn’t get talked about very much. There’s a lot of misunderstanding. Maybe it’s because … Continue reading He wants your whole heart — and your heart whole
Guarding against the noose of envy
Being thankful is harder than it seems. But it’s worth it. It can exponentially improve your outlook. And, as I’ll explain on Sunday, intentional gratitude can even play a significant role in improving your mental health. But a part of the reason it can be hard to cultivate an attitude of gratitude is because there … Continue reading Guarding against the noose of envy
Surviving a firing squad
Before he was a writer, Fyodor Dostoevsky was arrested by the czar of Russia and sentenced to death by firing squad. Leading up to the day of his execution, Dostoevsky became acutely aware of the gift of life. He savoured every moment, every meal, every memory. He knew he had only so long to enjoy … Continue reading Surviving a firing squad
Three tips to go deeper
Yesterday I shared the powerful story of Corrie ten Boom and her ability to be thankful even in hellish experiences. Following the lead of 1 Thessalonians 5:18 where Paul says to “give thank in all circumstances,” she was even able to thank God for the fleas in a World War Two concentration camp. It might … Continue reading Three tips to go deeper
Thankful in a hellish experience
During World War Two, Corrie ten Boom and her family sheltered many Jews who were fleeing the Nazis. In 1944 the Nazi police seized Corrie, her sister Betsie, and their father. They ended up in a concentration camp, all the while holding firm to the promises of God. One day they moved into Barracks 28. … Continue reading Thankful in a hellish experience
