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Short essays on faith, story and the craft of telling the truth well — published several times a month.
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Confrontation (Stress Reducers Part 9 of 10)
When I was ten years old, Daddy pulled into a gas station with a single pump in front of a weathered shack.
Medication (Stress Reducers Part 8 of 10)
The doctor said, “Take two aspirin and call me in the morning.” That was in the 1940s.
Acceptance (Stress Reducers Part 7 of 10)
When preachers use a road-rage analogy, everyone seems to recognize the feeling in themselves. I remember what it used to be like when another driver cut in front of me.
Results (Stress Reducers Part 6 of 10)
In the workplace, performance determines whether we keep our jobs. Therefore, striving for excellence seems like a good thing.
Pace (Stress Reducers Part 4 of 10)
The preacher said, “Repent! Give your heart to Jesus, and he will shower you with blessings.” This was great.
Commitment (Stress Reducers Part 3 of 10)
I made a stress-free decision after an abusive English teacher said I could make no better than a C if I didn’t turn in a book report.
Lofty Goals (Stress Reducers Part 2 of 10)
I grew up hearing the importance of lofty goals. “Dream big,” they said. “The sky is the limit.
Desire (Stress Reducers Part 1 of 10)
In 1978, I had a job that left me tied in knots. When I realized how stressed I was, I decided I would either find a way to be relaxed at all times, no matter how great…
Useless (Part 2 of 2)
One day, Jesus took offense when someone addressed him as good. “Why do you call me good?” he said. “There is none good but God” (Matthew 19:17).
Useless (Part 1 of 2)
When I was in high school, we had our examples of useless: a screen door on a submarine or high-heeled tennis shoes.
Prayer Paradigm
What we believe about prayer will determine when, how, and what we choose to pray. If we don’t believe God is listening or will answer, we probably won’t pray at all.
I Want More (Part 2 of 2)
My three-year-old son was sitting on the floor, a few feet in front of the television, watching Saturday morning cartoons.