Presidential Parrot

On June 8, 1845, America’s seventh president died. A few days later, the funeral service of Andrew Jackson attracted thousands. One particular attendee was removed during the service because of his uncontrollable behavior. Throughout the service, he kept interrupting the speakers with fits of profanity. Who was this disrespectful guest? The president’s pet parrot.  Here’s…

Promises, Promises

We all love the promises of God. In the Bible, there are 7,500 of them. Promises like: Here’s another one, from the lips of Jesus himself. “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). Wait a minute! I didn’t sign up for that! Give me the promises about prosperity and peace, happiness and health,…

GDP

Dr. Catherine Cox conducted an extensive analysis of 3,000 significant figures in history. She discovered an interesting commonality among them all. Each of these highly successful people recorded their thoughts, feelings, ideas, and insights. In other words, they journaled. If you are new to journaling, let me help. Try my GDP formula. No, not Gross…

Babe Ruth’s $20 Ball

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had and bought it” (Matthew 13:45-46). On this day in history, 90 years ago, Babe Ruth launched his 700th career home run completely out of the…

Schizophrenia?

Does God still speak to us? Thomas Szasz doesn’t think so. He quipped, “If you talk to God, you are praying; if God talks to you, you have schizophrenia.”  The Bible is clear. God has a history of speaking to us and through us. “Surely the sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to…

Your Jericho

In every life, there is a Jericho. You know what that is? It is that thing that would block you from becoming all that God wants you to be. Whether a besetting sin, a habit, or an addiction, our Jericho will block our way to the full blessing of God. As long as we try…

It’s Personal

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). Most of us would boldly proclaim our faith in God. We would never question him with our words. But…

The Power of Attitude

Your attitude is everything. Psychologist Robert Puff writes, “Our thoughts shape the way we feel. Our happiness is dependent on the quality of our thoughts. We’re not happy because we’re happy; we’re happy because we interpret the things that happen to us as good.” King David said it like this: “This is the day that…

A Speeding President

Can you name the only U.S. president to receive a warrant for speeding, while in office? Ulysses S. Grant. The president was spotted on the streets of Washington, D.C., going too fast – on his horse. Police officer William H. West pulled him over and issued a warning. The next day, West caught him again.…

Popcorn in Movies

Popcorn hasn’t always been a snack in movie theaters. Theaters actually hated popcorn in the beginning. Silent films require a literate audience, focused on the movie. So upscale movie theaters banned food during the show – especially popcorn. They demanded full concentration from theater attendees.  Now, everyone eats popcorn in a movie theater. We have…