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Truth from Tragedy
The tragedies of this past weekend’s shark attacks along the NC coast have everyone talking. As individuals and families plan vacations to the seaside some are considering leaving the beach completely off their schedule. I do think there are some life lessons that can be illustrated out of this tragedy, but first I want to be clear that as I make these points I am not placing any blame on the individuals who suffered so much from the recent shark attacks on Oak Island, North Carolina. Media reports that both victims are doing much better and their recovery is nearly...
Shark Attacks on the NC Coast
The news reports of two tragic “shark attacks” near Oak Island, NC have caused many people to think twice about going into the water at this popular summer spot for tourists. The reports about two teenagers being attacked within a few miles and a few minutes (90 minutes) are tragic. Let’s continue to pray for this boy and girl and the long-term impact on their lives and the lives of their families. We should also be grateful for the rapid response of others around these victims who risked their own safety to help those who were so terribly injured. The...
Lessons From A First Grade Graduation
This is the time of year for graduations and award ceremonies. I know that many of you have been blessed to share in some of these as I have. This week, I had the joy of being at my grandson’s first grade awards ceremony. It was fun to watch all the kindergarteners and first graders sit in anticipation of hearing their names called out and be recognized for various things. The best part of the day is when “your” student finds you in the sea of parents and gleams a huge toothy grin indicating their approval of your presence. “Don’t...
Take the Sixty-Day Challenge
Gratitude is a loosely used are rarely understood word. By strictest definition gratitude is the quality of being thankful but it implies so much more. Gratitude, as a part of the G3 culture, is an awareness of the presence of God in our lives and taking the opportunity to express this without reservation. Imagine what might happen if we lived with open gratitude for all that God is doing around us. Everything that takes place [everyday] is in the control of God. Understanding this means that even the difficult times are in His control. As Wiersbe wrote “God answers prayer,...
Hello, June!
June is a special month for our family because both Mary and I celebrate our birthdays in June. Mine on the second and Mary’s on the twenty-sixth. Additionally we always plan a family vacation to Hilton Head Island for a couple of weeks in June. Hardly a day goes by that one of our grandkids asks, “Is it time to go to the beach yet?” Their anticipation is exciting and it got me to thinking... We should always live with an attitude of anticipation. We should live expectantly for all that God is doing around us. Each day is a...
What Can I Give to God?
Too often we think of our gifts to God in terms of time, treasures, and talents. But as I was reading my devotional book (“Prayer, Praise, and Promises” by Warren Wiersbe,) this morning, I was once again reminded that what God wants most from us are those things that He has NOT given us. Wiersbe wrote. “When you put your offering in the plate, are you giving God something that isn't already His? Who gives you the strength to work? God. Who protects you to and from work? God. Who gives you the skills to work? God. Therefore, when we...