Stumbling Over the Truth

     I know you are probably thinking, "Oh no, another Thanksgiving blog post."  It is true that this time of year causes us to be mindful of the things that we are most thankful for, but that really isn't the theme for this blog post.        Over the last several months, I have been able to experience some of the most trying and humbling times that I have ever had to experience in my life.  Yes, I wrote, "I have been able to experience" because looking back now, I am grateful for these times.  I can't really say that I was ecstatic as I was going through them, but I now see that they were beneficial to my development.      In Psalm 79, the psalmist writes a prayer out of deep discouragement.  The Babylonians had come into to Israel, killed many of God's people, laid waste to Jerusalem and the Temple of God.  It is in deep despair that he asks God, "How long?"       How lo...

      Hate .  What an ugly word!  But so much of our world today is filled with it.  I am facing an awkward dilemma about honesty and hate.  Before I go any farther, I want to be fair to those in my past who have been mentors, teachers, and had any kind of impact.  I deeply appreciate all that was taught and modeled for me.  Also, I do not hold any of those people responsible for what I am about to confess.  This is not a lay blame on someone else rant.        With that said, I must come clean and admit to a life that has been filled with hate.  Some where, some how though I know I didn't go to any instructional classes or seminars on this, I grew up learning to hate.  By now you have to be wondering, "Hate what?"  I don't really know if I could finish the answer to that question in one blog.  It certainly would take a great deal of time to state all of the possibilities.      ...