Lewis Smedes, the renowned Christian author, tells a remarkable story about Michelangelo in his book Standing on the Promises: "One early evening, as dusk darkened the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo, weary, sore, and doubtful, climbed down the ladder from his scaffolding where he had been lying on his back since dawn painting the chapel ceiling. After … Continue reading I Am No Painter
Shots Fired
By 1775, tensions between the American colonies and the British government were reaching a breaking point. Although the Declaration of Independence was still over a year away, preparations were already being made for what many colonists viewed as an inevitable conflict. In Massachusetts, for example, Patriots had formed a "shadow" government and were training militias … Continue reading Shots Fired
Who Are You?
Who are you? This used to be a simple question. But "identity" has become such a complex flashpoint in our culture that this once seemingly innocuous question has now become much more loaded. Who are you? Culture will try to give us many answers to this question. You are your name, your age, your social … Continue reading Who Are You?
Reds, Greens, and Rosenbergs
SPOILER ALERT: If you haven't read my novel Come Down Somewhere, please do not read this week's "History Friday" post as it contains potential spoilers about the content of the story. In a subtle hint of things to come, Jo, one of the main characters in Come Down Somewhere, picks up a newspaper in a … Continue reading Reds, Greens, and Rosenbergs
Is God Really Good?
Is God really good? Chances are, if you're a Christian, you had a knee-jerk reaction to this question. Of course God is good. It says so in Scripture. We sing about it in multiple songs during worship time. Many of us even us it as our "battle cries." (Say it with me if you know … Continue reading Is God Really Good?
When The Waters Ran Dry
If I were to say the words "Niagra Falls," what would be the first thing that came to your mind? Can I venture a guess? If the word "water" wasn't your first choice, I think it's pretty safe to assume it was a close second. That's because, even if you've never been in person, Niagra … Continue reading When The Waters Ran Dry
The Choice of the Yoke
We've all been there. Your alarm goes off, and an immediate sense of dread overtakes you. Or maybe even tears. The thought of getting out of bed sends an ache into your stomach. You are exhausted. You are fed up. You simply can't do life today. You feel as if you have absolutely nothing left. … Continue reading The Choice of the Yoke
Are Women Persons?
Susan B. Anthony was an activist seemingly from birth. Born into a Quaker family, her father's mill failed when he refused to use slave-grown cotton. Inspired by his steadfast commitment to justice, she was collecting anti-slavery petitions as early as 17. During the Civil War, she helped found the Women's Loyal National League, which conducted … Continue reading Are Women Persons?
Spiritual Lessons in Graham Crackers
Like many parents, I had a hard time getting my children to eat when they were younger, although the timeline of their pickiness was reversed. My son refused to eat almost everything until he turned five; then, suddenly, he decided he wanted to eat EVERYTHING. (And, while I'm thankful, now that he's nearing the teenage … Continue reading Spiritual Lessons in Graham Crackers
“Whatever It Is I Think I see…”
On this day in 1896, an Austrian Jewish immigrant and son of an Austrian candy maker opened a shop in New York City. His name was Leo Hirschfield and, while the name may be unfamiliar, the candy he soon created probably isn't. And no, I'm not talking about Bromangelon Jelly Powder, a gelatin dessert powder … Continue reading “Whatever It Is I Think I see…”
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