A few days back, I was looking through a box that was labeled “David’s Keepsakes.” My mother had saved things from my childhood and gave it to us when we moved to Iowa. It’s filled with my Cub Scout badges, my first report card, pictures, etc… Working my way through these things, I came across a note written to my mom from an older lady affectionately known as “Mom Kalles.”  Today you would say she was my mother’s mentor. Even so, my mother must have mistakenly placed this note with my keepsakes. The reason I was looking through this box was another...

We celebrated my grandson’s third birthday this past weekend. He is growing up so fast, and before I know it, he will better his “papa” in a round of golf. Following the party, Elli and I took some time to glance over three years of pictures. We noted how much he has changed, and even though his little personality is gradually developing, his language skills and motor skills improve daily. Today, I wonder if people could detect my spiritual growth as they glanced over my past three years. How about you? How are we doing in the realm of spiritual growth? Are we fulfilling God’s...

While attending Bible school, my study group was the key for me to excel on my semester test. Moreover, it maximized my learning and growth as a person academically and spiritually. Simply, within this group structure the material was better understood and retained. We could confirm with each other any confusing or complex subject material. Our group became a source of support and encouragement. At last, learning became more personally relevant and intellectually stimulating. A number of years ago, Harvard conducted a study for one of the military branches. Apparently, the military was sending...