I love a good shortcut. Almost every day as I drive to work, I take a shortcut. Yet there are times in life when shortcuts are not best—when the easy way isn’t the best way. When we dream about something we desire for the future, we want a shortcut to reach the dream. We want … Continue reading The Easy Way Is Not Always Best
Tag: money
The Best Part
When I was growing up, I remember being held accountable for grades based on the actual grade. I was supposed to earn certain grades. Bottom line. I do things differently with my children. I want them to do their best, whether their best is an A or a B or whatever—I want them to know … Continue reading The Best Part
Cannot Afford to Tithe
Recently, someone told me that they “cannot afford to tithe.” I remember those days—the days when I thought I could not part with the money or the bills wouldn’t get paid. But I also remember the moment I got my finances in order, when I started to take a serious look at where the money … Continue reading Cannot Afford to Tithe
A Good Name
Your name, your reputation, it means something. In a day when it seems like reputation doesn’t mean as much, it is important to note that not everyone looks up to the people on television or in the sports arena like they can do no wrong. Many times, when someone does something to take advantage of … Continue reading A Good Name
Children’s Ministry Lesson: Parable of the Foolish Rich Man
This lesson is on the Parable of the Foolish Rich Man. The passage to read is Luke 12:13-21. The key verse is Luke 16:13. The front page of the activity sheet is divided into two sides. The object is to have the children list what they think both types of people would look like in … Continue reading Children’s Ministry Lesson: Parable of the Foolish Rich Man
Skewed Focus
During the summer, I often give my dog Max some ice cubes. When we come inside from a walk, I give him one ice cube to munch on and I try to encourage him to drink his water as well. But first thing in the morning he does not want to accept the ice cube … Continue reading Skewed Focus
Within the Trash
This morning I passed by a dumpster filled with items from a house that is currently undergoing renovations. Out of the corner of my eye, I was able to spot a large box of books lying on top of the other discarded items. The books looked brand new and many of them were titles that … Continue reading Within the Trash
Take It All
Last night I was watching this television show that just began for what I believe is a week long program. Although I am not much of a television buff, I tuned in to this NBC show because of the title, “Take It All.” The show has contestants selecting unknown prizes from a screen or deciding … Continue reading Take It All
Do You Wash Your Hands?
Do you wash your hands? It is a strange question for me to ask. Most people would think that I was making a suggestion about your hygiene; however, I am not talking about washing your hands as part of a routine for good hygiene. In Matthew 27, when Jesus was standing before Pilate, there was … Continue reading Do You Wash Your Hands?
Are You Stealing?
This past week was Vacation Bible School. As always, it was a week filled with praise and worship, learning, forming friendships, and enjoying fellowship. This year the theme was Hometown Nazareth: Where Jesus Was a Kid. With the theme in place, one can easily imagine the set consisted of present day items fixed to look … Continue reading Are You Stealing?
Tania Gutekunst 