I have always been a dog person in my life.  When I was growing up, we did have a few cats around the house because my sister liked cats but I have always had a preference for dogs.  The one thing that I greatly enjoy about a dog is that they are always so eager [...]

This past Monday, we paused in our busy lives to remember all those who heard a call to serve and to take up the cause of freedom.  We remembered that for many of them, the cost of that service was the giving of their very lives.  We acknowledged the price that is attached to serving [...]

Power Point, with Jack Graham – The Battle is Won – Powerpoint – May 30, 2012 – Christian Devotional. Great reminder!

Trust is a very difficult element of life.  Experience and situations over time lead us to be very hesitant in trusting.  Whether it is an individual, an  institution, or an entity, I sometimes struggle with giving complete trust.  However, as a believer, I am expected to trust in the Lord always.  As strongly as I [...]

Anyone who has ever spent any time around young children know that their favorite is “why?”.  The question is part of their exploratory phase of life when they are trying to understand situations and facts in a more in-depth status.  As annoying as it can be at times, it is a necessary part of the [...]

Alright, I guess I have to accept the label….. I’m a modernist.  Well, at least that is what a lot of sociologists and writers are calling my generation and how we think.  That means that I have a specific worldview and I approach life based upon that worldview.  One aspect of being a modernist is [...]

I had a conversation with a friend and community leader this morning.  We were discussing a particular situation in our community and in the midst of the discussion I was reminded how extremely important it is for leaders to set the tone for those to whom they are providing leadership.  It almost seems to obvious [...]

Governor Terry Branstad ordered that all flags in the state of Iowa to fly at half-staff today in honor of Peace Officer Memorial Week.  I think that honoring those men, women, and canine who have given their lives in service of the safety of the public is very fitting.  My question is when does flying [...]

Last night I was having a conversation with some very dear friends.  During the conversation we began discussing a ministry that we have been involved with for quite a few years.  We were sharing thoughts about the future of the particular ministry and that it may be time to bring a close to it.  That [...]

A wise person once told me that it is extremely important to listen to voices that are different from your own.  Yesterday I had the opportunity to do exactly that at a meeting.  I am a person who has spent most of my life in Iowa and Nebraska.  While I have traveled internationally and throughout our nation, [...]