Hidden but Known

Whatever is done in secret, the saying goes, will be shouted from the rooftops. During the recent corporate scandals, many found out that what they thought were hidden in boardrooms, conference rooms, and smoke-filled rooms on Wall Street, were not. Sure they rode the wave, until that wave came crashing in around them. Many of us have said, “They deserve whatever they get.” But if we are honest, we know we’ve done the same thing.

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Spring Fever

I’ve had the symptoms for a few weeks now. Long strolls through the garden department at my local discount store, spending more time looking at seed catalogs than my favorite decorating magazine, Googling vegetable names to learn new planting techniques. Yes, I’ve got spring fever.

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Simple Life

With the economic downturn over the last few years, there’s been an increased interest in living a simplified life. Planting gardens, coupon clipping, staying home and playing games are all on the rise. People are getting back to the basics. Much to the dismay of movie theaters, eating establishments and other cost inhibiting activities, people are choosing to be conservative in their spending, hoping to protect the few assets that have endured this tough economy.

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Forgiveness is a Choice

A misconception I often hear regarding forgiveness is it can take a long time. The thought process goes something like this: the deeper the wound, the longer it takes to recover. Minor offenses can be forgiven quickly, but major offenses can take years to process and forgive. I’ve even heard certain offenses describe as “unforgivable.” But is that really true? Is the speed of forgiveness determined by the depth of the wound? I think not.

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Sour Grapes

“Are you enjoying those sour grapes?” my parents would rhetorically ask when I complained about something that hadn’t gone my way. I hated that remark, mainly because, rather than give credence to my whining, a spotlight was shown on my what about me attitude. As I read the last chapter of the book of Jonah and heard his complaining, I was reminded of the sound of my own youthful voice. And, I have to admit, it’s a voice I still use. How often do you or I claim unfairness when God blesses someone whom we feel isn’t deserving, or when God saves a disgraceful person in their eleventh hour, or chooses to deliver someone whom we believe should be punished? God feels compassion for people whom we have judged, and fortunately for us, God also overlooks our sour grapes.

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