Every summer I meet with a group of my high school buds that I graduated with at a mini-reunion. What a great time.

I started it a few years ago because a couple of our buds died unexpectedly way too young. I thought there’s no reason to wait.

Every year it causes me to think back on the dreams we each had. And how life has taken unexpected paths. Some good, some difficult.

Health issues, career setbacks, death of loved ones. Things that can derail us.

Challenges each of us face. And as a result we can end up with lives of frustration or fulfillment depending on our response. [Read more…]

I never really liked my previous blog that I wrote a few years ago. Somehow it just never really connected.

I wanted to share about God’s love which has so impacted my life but was afraid if I was too bold it would be rejected.  So I watered it down skirting the fringes.

Yet, I found though those who had no interest in spirituality were turned off by the little that was there.

And those who really had interest were left dissatisfied because it was too thin.

So I felt frustrated and honestly stressed.  It felt more like a chore than a joy. [Read more…]

I’ve wanted to write since my life was changed by God years ago.  I want people to see the positive side of what I consider true spirituality.  I’ve had a few things published in the past which encouraged me.

Yet honestly, writing this blog challenges me every day.  Deciding what to write, developing the focus, editing to make it readable.  Some days I really struggle with the flow.

Then other times I wonder, “Is anyone even reading this?  Am I making any difference?  Should I devote this time to something more productive?”

But every time I think about quitting it feels like something would die inside of me. [Read more…]

“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.”  (Ephesians 2: 6 NIV)

So many people trudge through life defeated.

They’ve tried to accomplish great things.  Live their dreams.  Use their gifts.  Done what they’ve heard brings real success.

Yet, what happens?  Before long they hit roadblocks.  They find the journey far harder and way longer than they ever imagined. [Read more…]

“In the past you were spiritually dead because of your sins and the things you did against God.”  (Ephesians 2: 1 NCV)

I’m baffled by how little people settle for in order to avoid a relationship with God.

I mean all of us want love, success, happiness.

And most of us probably on more than one occasion have gone about trying to get those things in less than stellar ways. [Read more…]

“And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”  (Ephesians 1: 22-23 NIV)

Do you ever wonder why so few ever accomplish anything close to their dreams?  I mean most people start out with a vision of their future that’s frankly astounding.  Ask kids what they want to be when they grow up and their thoughts often are inspiring.

But somewhere between those years and adulthood something happens.  The dreams disappear. [Read more…]

“Far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.”  (Ephesians 1:21 NIV)

We live in a pretty oppressive world don’t we?  I mean just watch the news for five minutes.  It’s filled with scary stuff.

Terrorists bombing civilians.

Governments targeting groups.

Corruption, crime, hatred.

And then add to that the pressures we face at work from a boss on an ego trip or a colleague clawing his way to the top.

And for some the fear of evil spirits running amok. [Read more…]

“I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.”  (Ephesians 1: 19-20  NLT)

All of us at times face seemingly unsolvable problems.  Tough nuts that just won’t crack.

Our careers careen off track.

Our marriages stress out?

We struggle with health issues we just can’t resolve.

And money?  Or sometimes what’s left of it? [Read more…]

“That is why since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people.”  (Ephesians 1:15 NCV)

I believe we want spiritual power ignited in our lives.  Otherwise frankly you wouldn’t be reading this and I wouldn’t be writing it.

Yet, we struggle with that day to day.  Sometimes we see evidence of it and unfortunately often we don’t. [Read more…]