Author Archives: Rob

According to the teacher, the word was “prophesy.” We were coming to the end of the sixth-grade spelling bee, and that was my word. I spelled it correctly, but was told that I got it wrong. I knew I hadn’t, but I sat down because that’s what I was told to do. The next personContinue reading “Mercy and Justice: Better than Rules”

I love to give gifts. I love to see a person’s reaction when they encounter a pleasant surprise. I also love to see people get gifts from others. To see someone honored by the generosity of friends or family make me feel happy for them. Jesus wants us to know that the Father is allContinue reading “Good Gifts”

You’re just passing by, but in the corner of your eye you see something so beautiful that, for a second, you’re stunned. It just took your breath away. Perhaps it was a sudden glance out the window at an incredible sunrise. Maybe it was an old wedding photo that brings a wave of emotions crashingContinue reading “Even I”

Have you noticed how we ask our kids if they have enough? It’s almost like a parent’s theme song. When it’s cold, we ask, “Do you have enough layers?” When it’s sunny, “Do you have enough sunscreen?” When they’re living on their own, “Do you have enough to eat?” We want to take care ofContinue reading “It Is Enough”

I love a good road trip. Actually, if it’s been a while since I’ve gone anywhere, it doesn’t really have to be a good road trip. I’m down with hitting the road, wandering to parts far away and discovering something new. Camping, staying with friends, or patronizing motels—as long as I can “get outta Dodge”Continue reading “On the Road Again”

“A mother’s love” is practically a cliché, but that’s because we know what that’s like. Whether you grew up with the mother who bore you, you likely experienced some woman (or women) in your life who was every bit a mother to you. You probably felt the sense of care and protection that a mother’sContinue reading “Home of the Brave … Mother”

My friend Devin Warrington writes these words: From the surface of the water, a duck looks like it has its act together. It seems to calmly drift across the water. But underneath, the duck is paddling frantically trying to keep moving, especially if moving against the current. If a duck were to look around atContinue reading “Ducks”

There are some big words out there. Words like aids, leukemia, cerebral palsy, and cancer. Maybe you’ve heard them spoken by your doctor or pediatrician. Maybe they’ve been whispered among others in reference to people you love. These words frighten us. They challenge our priorities. For many, these words are synonyms for hopelessness. When I hear the Big Words othersContinue reading ““Cancer” is a Big Word”

We all have our favorites. You might have a favorite television show, a favorite music genre, or a favorite sports team. Perhaps you have a favorite color or a favorite tie. Your favorites reflect your personality. As that personality changes over the years, so may your preferences. That’s just the way we humans are. It’sContinue reading “My Favorite Things”

Green is one of my favorite colors. I think that is what I like most about Spring—green pops up everywhere! The world is overflowing in verdure, and it seems like life pours out of every nook and cranny of the planet. Spring holds promise. Every year we see the plants go dormant; birds migrate south;Continue reading “Here Comes the Son”