Have you been to Safeway lately? They have this place called "The Gift Card Mall"...

Do you remember the movie, Ferris Beuhler's Day Off? Ben Stein played the teacher who took attendance and is famous for his line: "Anyone? Anyone?" Anyways, aside from that movie and a slough of other appearances in commercials for things such as eye drops, and more, he is behind a film documenting the persecution of scientists who propose intelligent design, showing that not just anyone is allowed to put forth theories of the origin of man...

 

This English proverb has often confused people. If you eat your cake, aren't you "having" it? The intended meaning makes more sense to our modern ears if

Having turned 37 last month, and doing a little math on (1) what my age will be when my kids graduate from High School (47 for the oldest and 55 for the youngest) and (2) the fact that when my parents were my age I was 15, I began to sense a bit of dispair coming. But God graciously sent me some encouragement...

 

Even now and then God graciously connects with your heart in a way so powerful it brings you to your knees in worship. In those moments my heart responds with a deep cry for closeness to Him. The longing for God is renewed in a fresh way...