"I’ve been trying to connect Sunday morning (my faith) to Monday morning (my work/life). I want to reflect Christ in how I lead others, both at work and at home. What does a Christ-like leader look like?"

There are moments and seasons in life that cause us to lose focus - or just utterly freak out! Whether it is through crisis and loss - if you are anything like me - there is a tendency to respond initially with anxiety and worry. The question on my mind this week has been, “What would it take for me to respond with anticipation, rather than anxiety?” I think it comes down to one simple thing…

Ten years of stories and lessons I’ve learned from being a Chicken Chaplain at Simmons.

My wife and I enjoyed the Winter Olympics. It is amazing what unusual feats each one accomplished in their own event. Just look at the accomplishments made by some U. S. Olympic team members...

Take a moment and read Matthew 1:18-2:12; Luke 2:1-20; and John 1:1-15.

There are two subjects presented in these verses: the virgin birth of Jesus Christ and His incarnation. The virgin birth is the miraculous act of God whereby Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit. The incarnation is the divine act of God whereby God in Christ Jesus was revealed to mankind in human flesh.

The last few weeks we have discussed the continual challenge we all face of balancing our relationships, work, and finding time to recharge the batteries and rest. We've been building up to this week. I want to look at our work and how we can become more effective in the time that we invest in our work.

Researching the stories behind the Christian hymns of our faith for this month’s blogs has been a particular joy for me.  Learning about the experiences that others came through that brought them to a closer walk with God is very uplifting.  It is amazing how the Lord inspired them to put their experiences into musical form to inspire and encourage so many.  The one that lifts me more than any other when I feel depressed, discouraged, or pondering some unwanted news is “Because He Lives,” by Bill and Gloria Gaither. 

It was after a severe storm that Carl Gustof Boberg, a Swedish pastor, editor, and member of the Swedish parliament, was inspired to write a poem.  As he looked over the clear bay he heard a church bell in the distance, and the words “How Great Thou Art,” began to ring in his mind. 

Music has power to communicate, inspire, and to change.  According to Don Campbell (founder of Institute for Music, Health and Education) music can communicate to us even when we’re not influenced by the words of a song.  He says, “Music impacts physiology on a deep, basic level.  The human heartbeat is especially attuned to sound-changes in tempo and volume act as natural pacemakers.  Breathing slows down or speeds up along with the music.”

Upon graduation from college my wife’s first job was working as a music therapist at a state hospital in Tennessee.  Along with the medications given to patients to help them to be as normal as possible, music that she would play for them also played a part in keeping them calm. 

As I travel the Southwest City area I see large signs nailed to fence post with Bible scripture references on them. One of these is John 3:16. Often we see someone in the bleachers at a baseball or football games holding up a sign bearing that Bible verse. Children who attend church, especially the Sunday School hour, are taught and encouraged to memorize John 3:16...

For many years the Twenty-third Psalm has been one of the most loved and treasured passages in the Bible.  It is among the most familiar even among those who are not “religious” nor very knowledgeable about Scripture.  They recognize these words.

As I look back on the last year, two things stand out in my mind. Those two things are mercy and grace. One Christian writer says that mercy and grace are merely two sides of the same coin. Another writer says that mercy and grace are often confused and while related, they are not the same...

“Going in circles,” does this describe how you feel sometimes trying to get through a busy, maybe hectic day...?

“I love to wait! When I’ve got decisions to make, I just enjoy the process no matter how long it takes.” Said no one ever!

What is it in your life that is beyond your fingertips? What area of your life today requires the most faith?

Are religion and health connected miraculously? The miracles of the Bible say yes. Experiences of many say yes.Is religion a magic wand to keep us healthy? If we always had our health restored by simply asking God for it, would we follow Him for the wrong reason? Everybody wants to go to heaven, but who is willing to die to get there?