Spiritual Presents

  I know what I know, and that is all that I know, you know?  I am what I am, and that is all that I am, I am pretty sure.  There is nothing wrong with saying, “I don’t know.”  It can actually be quite refreshing and liberating.  Moreover, it is not a crime against humanity to change your mind or have your thoughts and opinions evolve over time.  That is actually a sign of intelligence, not of being a flip flopper.  We are all constantly growing and becoming.  Having an open mind and a good healthy sense of humility helps each of us age well, like a fine wine.  We are all unique gifts with so many possibilities.  We are each a treasure, and God desires that all of us become wiser and richer in love everyday.   At the same time we are never perfect.  We each need constant refinement.  The great deceptive trap that we all fall into is the pit of pride.  Now, pride can be a positive gift (See Present #26 on Pride)....

  Every year on the 4th of July my day goes something like this:  First, I try to roll out of bed early enough to see a parade.  Next, I find myself inexplicably captivated watching professional eaters stuff themselves on national TV.  As the day progresses, I seek out a tasty cookout where I can enjoy time with friends and gorge myself.  I hope to save a little room for pie and ice cream.  As the daylight fades and darkness settles, I find a comfy lawn chair and watch children chase fireflies.  I end the day gazing up at the sky, mesmerized by beautiful fireworks.  All in all a pretty fab day.  However, I wonder while nodding off to sleep, “is this what it means to be free?”  We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. (The Declaration of Independence) The 4th of July is ri...

There is a time when good-hearted, mature, responsible people need to clearly say, “It’s NOT OK!”  There is a time when “adults in the room” need to stand-up and say enough is enough.  There is a time when caring people need to lovingly and firmly say to everybody that what is taking place in the world is definitely NOT OK! It is NOT OK that so-called leaders around the world continue to choose violent solutions.  It is NOT OK that wars, grounded in greed, continue to rage.  It is NOT OK that countless children and innocent people have their lives permanently altered, destroyed, or ended.  It is NOT OK that deceiving charlatans and “spin” masters constantly muddle the truth.  Anything for ratings and clicks!  It is NOT OK that many are trapped thinking it is weakness to admit that you are wrong or say that you are sorry.  It is NOT OK that many politicians continue to spread hate and fear (and subject us to some really bad commercials).  It...

  My dad was the smartest man in the entire world.  He knew how to answer all of my most difficult questions.  Whenever I asked him challenging questions in life he would wisely respond, "Go ask your mother!" Nothing is quite as wonderful, nurturing, and important as a good mom.  Moms are amazing!  Moms sing us to sleep and cuddle us as babies.  They fix boo-boos and read stories when we are toddlers.  Moms correct and challenge us as teenagers.  They encourage us and pass on wisdom as we age.  Moms are not perfect, but can know more than most the importance of sacrificial love. There was no greater example of motherhood than Jesus' mother, Mary.  She understood that her relationship with her children (especially Jesus) was grounded in her love for God.  She was not perfect, but she knew what all good parents do.  If we want to be a great parent and have a special relationship with our children, then we need to first live o...

  One of the most powerful forms of communication is the language of touch.  In many ways, we learn about the world through touch.  A baby’s tiny digits cup the loving finger of a parent while feeding.  A feathery tickle produces smiles and giggles of joy.  Eskimo and butterfly kisses end the day and start a restful sleep.  Many learn how much we are loved through touch.  Sadly touch can also be used in very harmful and inappropriate ways as well.  We must be extremely wise and cautious when speaking the language of touch.  Hugs are particularly powerful tools of communication.  They express many feelings.  A friendly side hug assures a person they are highly valued.  The back-slapping bro hug conveys great respect.  A big warm bear hug shows sincere care.  Have you ever… Cried in someone’s arms?  Fallen asleep to the rhythm of another’s heartbeat?  Squeezed someone so tight because you did not want them to ...

  The Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the heartbeat of the Christian faith.   “Alleluia!  Christ is Risen,” has been the message from the beginning upon which the Christian way grew.  It is the Gospel, the Good News.  Christians shout this out every Easter with great joy!  Do we live as though it is true?  Do we live as though it actually happened?  Do we understand the profound spiritual gifts Christ’s resurrection offers each of us and the whole world now? And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.  More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead.  (1 Corinthians 15: 14-15, NIV) People often argue about Jesus.  Was he God in the flesh or just a great teacher?  Perhaps he was a liar or even a looney?  Throughout the centuries folks have wondered if he faked his death, or that somehow ...