A while back, a perfect fall weekend in Arkansas meant one thing: the Razorbacks versus the Texas Longhorns. This was the pinnacle of college football, a time when the leaves had turned to brilliant color, and the air was crisp. The competing anthems—the “Razorback Fight Song” and “Texas Fight”—would blare from every car cruising down…
Lost In Blame
When a judge asks an individual about to be sentenced if they have anything to say, the quality of their counsel—and, more importantly, their character—is revealed. It is always best to be humble, show remorse, accept responsibility for the damage inflicted, and above all, resist the urge to cast blame. This judicial ritual highlights a…
The Peril Of Stumbling Blocks
Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks. — Matthew 18:7. Today’s verse caused me to do a little research. I couldn’t imagine that Jesus used the words “stumbling blocks.” Now, most translations substitute “temptations” for “stumbling blocks,” but I wondered in Matthew’s original Hebrew or early Greek what word was used and what it meant.…
Rules of the House
My father was not a harsh man; in fact, he was a quiet, gentle soul most of the time. His authority was not built on bluster, but on a few, uncompromising “rules of the house” that formed the bedrock of our family life. These rules were crystal clear: Voices were never to be raised at…
At Ease
I go to the doctor’s office often, and no matter the reason—even if it’s just an annual checkup—a layer of nervousness always settles over me. This same familiar reluctance follows me into every new situation, whether I’m walking into a new room or preparing to discuss one of my books with a group. I often…