In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:14 (NIV) Spring is right around the corner, and with it comes an event I like to call The Freeing of the Roly Polys. It goes like this: My kids and their neighborhood friends scrounge in the dirt around the yard looking for Roly Polys and other bugs and creatures.
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I remember as a child watching the Hancock Tower in Chicago as it was being constructed. Even though we lived sixteen miles west of the city you could still get a good view of the structure from certain vantage points around my neighborhood. It was the thrill of young boys to brag about seeing from their yard or from a
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On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11 (NIV) My mom was big on hostess gifts. When I was a kid and I would go to a friend’s house, my mother
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Every child who is going to the doctor has one thought on their mind, am I going to get a shot? I remember as a kid dreading for days before a doctor visit the possibility of getting a shot. Around third grade there was a notice sent home stating that the school would be administering the polio vaccination a few
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And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30 (NIV) I have almost enough frequent flyer miles saved up to take a really nice trip, and with just a few more points I’ll be ready to redeem them and cash in on my effort. I have to admit,
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Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NIV) Recently I went to the Alamo. I’ve been there several times, and I always find it quite moving.
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For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45 (NIV) Outside of Mexico City is one of the world’s most accurately restored and largest pyramid structures in the world. Teotihuacan is actually an ancient city with two pyramids at its heart, one
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1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. Little Ethan came running up to me at church recently. He was so excited that he could hardly get the words out of his mouth. At first I struggled to understand what he was
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Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! II Corinthians 5:17 Recently I was getting my hair cut and discovered that my stylist had recently begun a relationship with Jesus. Her enthusiasm for her new found faith provided a welcome conversation. As she relayed the story of how she
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Psalm 130:7 (NIV) Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. Lately I’ve been burning the midnight oil at work. There are several projects that demand my time and have required some extra hours away from my family. Coming home late from work is no fun, the kids
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