Maybe the variety of nature can help us laugh at ourselves, and grow in our appreciation for one another… while still taking life seriously. Scientists estimate that the number of species on earth ranges somewhere between 5 and 30 million, with about 8 million different kinds of bugs. Could there be a parallel between what […]
The oldest of California redwoods are said to be 2000 years old, grow to 379 feet, with a diameter of 22 feet, and 12 inch thick bark. Their close relatives, the giant Sequoias, have been measured at 311 feet high, with a life-span in excess of 3000 years, trunks that have grown 40 feet in […]
A visit to Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay harbor has left me with some stark and troubling images. Here on The Rock, men were known by their number and warehoused like hazardous material. Row after row of cramped, cage-like cells housed men who were told, “You are entitled to food, clothing, shelter and […]
The Bible seems to give us different ways of answering this question. Some parts of the New Testament indicate that “real Christians” show their faith by the way they live. Other sections of the Bible show that “genuine” children of God can live without faith. So, what’s the answer? In short, here’s an attempt to […]
On a recent 40th anniversary trip to the West Coast my wife, Di, and I saw one of the most amazing sights. Just north of San Simeon on the Pacific Coast we caught these pictures of an elephant seal birthing and breeding colony. Couldn’t believe the sights and sounds. All ages of males fighting in […]
If you’ve been a follower of Christ for some time, would you say that your spiritual journey has been about what you expected it to be? Or have you been somewhat disillusioned to discover that followers of Christ seem to have about a many physical, emotional, and family issues as the general population? Seems to […]
In the February 2 issue of Newsweek magazine’s “Beliefwatch”, Lisa Miller, writes, “You likely believe that when you die, you’re going to heaven. More than 80 percent of Americans do. But in what form? Are you “you”? If so, are you old or young, fat or thin? If not, what are you? An angel? A […]
The “Sh’ma” of Israel is at the heart of her monotheism. it represents the first Hebrew words of a prayer, central to the morning and evening prayers of observant Jewish people. “Hear O Israel, and be careful to observe it, that it may be well with you, and that you may multiply greatly as the […]
Have you noticed that the right answer can be regarded as proof of being wrong? For instance, when Larry King or another talk show host asks Christian guests whether they believe that receiving Christ is the only way to heaven, a “yes” answer can be taken as proof that the guest has been shown to […]
The devil who shows up in the first two chapters of the book of Job is both articulate and intelligent. So are the friends of Job who unintentionally sided with “the accuser.” Both used truth/half-truths… not to lift Job up… but to knock him down. I remember temporarily losing a few notches in my hat […]
