Paul

The first time my parents dropped me off at college, it was just the three of us in the van. As the oldest of 4 children, it was a sweet and rare opportunity to have both parents to myself. In those final hours before they left me at the dorm, they were handing out last-minute […]

Over the past year, we have had major appliance after major appliance break down in our home (see devotion from Feb 1). Our kitchen vent hood, refrigerator, microwave, and even our garage door – all needed to be replaced or repaired!  With the passing of each appliance (and the huge purchase of a new one) […]

For as long as I can remember, my mom loves to sing. Whether she’s cooking, sitting in the car, or during our family devotions, she can be heard singing a worship song … good times, bad times, all the time. I caught that at an early age and thought it was worth copying. I enjoyed […]

One of my son’s first Biology experiments this school year is to plant seeds and observe its growth. He has been diligent to follow the instructions of putting the soil in the cup, planting the seeds, placing it in sunlight, and watering it regularly.  Initially, when my son checked on it daily, he noticed that […]

In anticipation of 2020, there was a battle cry at many new year’s celebrations: VISION. Not only was it a new year, it was a new decade! Everyone had a good feeling about it. For me, the year started out great. Some new opportunities were opening up. My nephews’ basketball team won the state championship […]

The man peered over his glasses as he studied my face. He wanted to make sure it matched the photo in front of him. We had finally made it to the front of the long line of people returning back into the country after vacation. The process was long, but necessary. Behind us were hundreds […]

We are halfway through the year… Can you remember what you were doing the evening of December 31, 2019? I was at a friend’s house. We ate good (but not good for me) food, hung out then transitioned to a time of prayer, reflection and a challenge for the new year ahead.  A new decade […]

Attending a basketball game may not seem very spiritual…but it can be. Last week, our church’s youth director (we call him, Pastor Luis) came out to my boys’ high school basketball game.  He didn’t pray at the end or even share a quick ‘Thought for the day.’ He came, did the cool hand shake thing […]

When our first child was about two years old, I thought I had this parenting thing down. Our son was obedient, orderly, you name it..he was it. And then we had kid # 2. He was cute, charming, well behaved (in public), but behind closed doors…let’s just say, we were worn out! I remember my […]

Like most kids, I knew my place when it came to adults, especially those in authority over me.  I had always been a good student and hadn’t really ever gotten in trouble. Until high school.   I was serving as the “librarian” in our school choir which basically meant, I was in charge of filing […]