>Having just returned from an instense business trip and finding myself feeling a bit more overwhelmed than usual, I am reminded (as I so often am) of Elisabeth Elliot's marvelous advice: "Do the next thing."Her wise counsel has often helped me through difficult times of suffering as well as stressful times of work. It's easy … Continue reading >Doing the Next Thing

>When I get up on clear mornings, my spirit is pierced by the beauty of a single bright star throbbing like a living diamond in the dark pre-dawn sky. It always reminds me of Christ, the bright and morning star.This is an appellation that Christ gave Himself with His penultimate words to believers: “I, Jesus, … Continue reading >The Bright and Morning Star

>For years I was busy with the important work of raising our four children. I'd always longed to write, but I believed that if I honored God by focusing on my maternal calling while my children were young, He would provide another avenue of service in His perfect timing.Like a skilled surgeon, God used circumstances … Continue reading >One Talent

>My morning devotions from Ligonier's Tabletalk reminded me how our first parents tried to shirk responsibility for their actions by blaming their sin on someone else.Adam even dared to suggest that it was all God's fault; after all, it was God who gave Adam the woman in the first place. And Eve isn't much better, … Continue reading >The Blame Game

>I’m on the edge of many communities, but a part of none.I write for a magazine, but I’ve never visited the office or met the editor.I work for a seminary, but I rarely visit and am not considered part of that community.I work for a church, but have little interaction with its leaders or staff … Continue reading >Fringe Benefits

>Today is Ground Hog Day. If the ground hog sees his shadow, he’s supposed to be frightened back into his hole and there will be six more weeks of winter. For the record, I do not believe in superstitious stuff like the actions of a ground hog being an accurate weather predictor. I believe in … Continue reading >Ground Hog Day

>Yesterday our pastor had some words of wisdom about the importance of devotions. He was talking about how people think they need another cup of coffee on a bad morning, but he said, "Don't have another cup; have another psalm; have another devotion."I highly recommend the Tabletalk devotional from Ligonier Ministries, which I've used for … Continue reading >Devotion

>William Eric MathesNovember 15, 1973 – January 23, 2006 Dave's nephew, Will, was 32 years old when he passed away last night from leukodystrophy that had robbed him of his sight, his mind, and all normal functioning. It is a blessing to see him released from his very literal body of death. He leaves behind … Continue reading >In Memoriam

>That is a quote from our minister's excellent sermon yesterday on "Marks of a Growing Faith" based on Philippians 1:8-11. I was delighted to hear that the sermon was the first in a series on Philippians and I was even more delighted since the text contains verses that comprise part of my daily prayers for … Continue reading >"Love is the color of faith"

>We had another two great sermons yesterday; the evening sermon with a text from the final verses of Romans 8 was especially good. That beautiful doxology is one of the primary reasons why I chose Romans for my current Latin translation project.Last night's sermon made me even more eager to reach chapter 8, but I've … Continue reading >Translating Romans