Thoughtful Thursdays

Musings on faith, family, & fiction

How to Have a Conversation: A Primer
We learn as toddlers how to talk. But somehow, many of us are no longer taught how to have an actual, earnest, honest, and respectful conversation. Given the deep divides these days, we need the skill more than ever...and have it less than ever. So today, I'm going to...
Grappling
I don't know about you, but I have a hard time grappling with facts I don't like. Sometimes they're medical. Sometimes they're scientific. Sometimes they're political. Or dealing with a particular policy. Sometimes it's my own kids. Sometimes it's my own heart. I...
Canceled
Let's talk about Helen Keller. You've probably heard of her. As a child, a fever left her both blind and deaf and yet she went on to become famous for being an author and activist for those with disabilities. I imagine you, like me, have heard her story and have stood...
Inhuman Reactions
23 When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. 24 And behold, a violent storm developed on the sea, so that the boat was being covered by the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. 25 And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are...

Though a novelist by trade, one of the trademarks of my books is the spiritual depth and exploration I includes as my characters work through what it really means to walk out their faith. Faith, in fact, is one of the things I like to ponder most. In these once-a-week articles, I gets thoughtful at the crossroads of faith, family, and fiction.

How to Have a Conversation: A Primer

How to Have a Conversation: A Primer

The art of conversation is one that humanity developed at the start…and forgets regularly. So let’s take a lighthearted approach to how to talk to people without wanting to bob ’em upside the head.

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Grappling

Grappling

I have a hard time grappling with it when facts don’t bear out something I want to be true. I suspect I’m not alone. So what can we learn from it?

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Canceled

Canceled

Is the correct push-back to ‘cancel culture’ to…cancel it?

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Strength Vs. Power

Strength Vs. Power

So often when we feel helpless, we seek power…but really, what we should be seeking is strength. Let’s examine the difference.

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Not for Us

Not for Us

When God appears, it’s never for the sake of that one person–and always because He’s calling them to help others.

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Just a Few Words

Just a Few Words

All it took for Paul’s conversion were a few words from Jesus. Are our hearts as easily turned toward Him?

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Soft Start

Soft Start

My 2025 is getting off to a soft, slow start…but now that radiation is complete, I’m diving in for real!

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Thoughtful Thursday – My Peace I Leave You

Thoughtful Thursday – My Peace I Leave You

Original post published May 19, 2022 “Peace I leave with you,my peace I give to you.Not as the world givesdo I give it to you.Do not let your hearts be troubled;be not afraid. ~ John 14:27 What is peace? Jesus promises to leave us with it--not just any peace, but His...

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Poets

Poets

When we let Jesus take full possession of our heart, He does amazing things.

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Inspiring

Inspiring

When we let Jesus take full possession of our heart, He does amazing things.

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42 Things

42 Things

Today I turn 42! So here are 42 things that have proven important to me in the last year.

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Happy Endings

Happy Endings

I love stories with happy endings…but sometimes I need the stories with rocky middles too.

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Why?

Why?

“Why?” may be one of the fundamental questions people ask…but it’s only helpful when approached in the right way.

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These Bodies

These Bodies

Sometimes we fall into the trap of thinking are bodies are less important than our souls. But Christ defies that reasoning.

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The Passover Seder

The Passover Seder

We read about the Last Supper, but until we understand what the Jewish Passover Seder was like in the time of Christ, we can’t really grasp what He was doing when He instituted communion.

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Jesus and Traditions

Jesus and Traditions

We know that Jesus shook up and challenged a lot of “added” traditions. But did you know He fulfilled a lot of those “man-made” expectations too?

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