A soldier’s perspective on joy
“Why did you run off secretly and deceive me? Why didn’t you tell me, so I could send you away with joy and singing to the music of timbrels and harps? You didn’t even let me kiss my grandchildren and…
Hyper Local News I Springfield, Cottage Grove, Creswell, & Pleasant Hill
Hyper Local News I Springfield, Cottage Grove, Creswell, & Pleasant Hill
BOB BECK for The Chronicle
The power of forgiveness
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus…
Finding compassion in conflict
“He (Saul) came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. The men said, “This is the day the Lord…
He has risen: Celebrating the miracle of resurrection
Spring! I love a country morning in the springtime! As I stand in our backyard, I hear the birds sing, the bright yellow daffodils bring joy to my heart, the new green leaves in the trees, and then the call…
Embracing the power of small things
“For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumbline in the hand of Zerubbabel.”– Zechariah 4: 10 He replied, “…because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith…
Mentorship is a two-way street; seek wise leaders and give back
Let me dwell in Your tent forever;Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings.For You have heard my vows, God;You have given me the inheritance of those who fear Your name.Psalm 61: 4-5 “You have given me the…
New covenant, new contract, new year, new resolution
When I reflect on the tradition of New Year’s resolutions, I wonder. A couple of years ago, my wife and I both discussed losing weight for our 50th wedding anniversary. But it wasn’t for New Year’s, it was as we…
Take a moment, thank a veteran this week
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.”The law will go out from Zion, the…
Praying without ceasing: Navigating faith, growth
Growth is not always easy; I can attest to this from my own experience. I often ponder the phrase, “Pray without ceasing.” Is this even possible? When I first began my walk with God, my early prayers echoed the sentiments…
Labor Day thoughts on work
Labor Day: a holiday to honor and recognize laborers… OK, I can understand the need to honor those who work; after all, many cannot work. God put humans “in the Garden to work it and take care of it.” From…