Books that carried me through the year — 2022 was a great year for reading. Instead of hitting all of the bookstores every time I needed a new book, I rediscovered the library. I read some books that I’ve been wanting to read and reread some books for at least the third time, maybe more but I’ve lost…

The year in the rearview — 2022 has been an interesting year. That’s it, that’s a look back on 2022. But there’s way more than that. We have watched as interest rates have increased, while the cost of gas, food, and other basic goods have gone up in price. Daily, there are headlines warning us of…

Using the writer’s toolbox to create a tone — Like a guitar player or painter, writers can pay tribute to their favorite writers by showing their influence. Guitar players have a specific technique that is evident in their tone and style. Oftentimes, their playing style is built around their perfect tone. The tone itself is based on a guitar-playing…

My favorite time of year — I love this time of year. Between Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, it’s a time for everyone to come together, regardless of their belief system. It’s essential for us to remember to come together as a community as often as we can. This morning, I was invited to attend a…

It’s to protect you from going backward — When the Israelites were finally free from the bondage of slavery under Pharaoh in Egypt, they come to the Red Sea, a final obstacle. Moses uses his staff to part the waters before the Israelites so they can cross to the other side. But as the Israelites are nearing the…

Returning to leadership — A couple of months ago, 3 actually, I wrote about an overstep in Matt Chandler’s ministry, in which he was relieved of any teaching responsibilities until such a time came when his church leadership deemed he was ready to return. So today, when I was looking for Advent series on…

Do it because you love it — Oftentimes, I think there are a lot of writers who get into it for the wrong reasons. They have expectations that are likely to be unmet or unmatched. Writing takes time, patience, dedication, and a lot of hard work. It takes the right kind of person to keep it going…

Chances are you don’t either — I went to college for seven years. You may notice that I don’t have “Ph.D.” after my name. It may surprise you that it took me those seven years to complete a Bachelor’s degree. It may also surprise you to learn that I am not alone in this feat. I…

God’s light on display — Stars, by David Crowder, has got to be one of my favorites by him. It’s simple and beautiful and so unabashedly sings the Lord's praises. It’s wonderful. …