Haven Ministries

Last week I attended a broadcaster's convention in Las Vegas.  It's an easy four-hour drive from Southern California.  And as you drive over the ridge near the Henderson turn-off from I-15, the night sky is illuminated from the alluring lights of the city.  The Luxor beams it's iconic lamp straight heavenward.

The view is rather amazing.  And frankly, beautiful, at a distance.

But then you get closer.  You arrive at your hotel and close up to the sights and smells of the city.  Even though fewer people smoke than ever, after a couple days walking around, your ...

Definition:  Massive chasm – the difference between how ready you feel for marriage, and how ready you really are.

At least that was true for me.

I thought I was prepared to be married, but isn’t reality a cruel teacher?!?!  I didn’t realize that while my wife and I used the same words, we actually spoke a different language.  For instance, I would listen to her at the end of the day and of course I tried to solve all her problems.  However, what she needed and wanted was to ...

I confess I’m a Cary Grant fan.  I’ve watched nearly all of his movies, from “Bringing Up Baby” to “Father Goose.”  Some I’ve seen many times.  Too many times!   One of my favorites is “North by Northwest.”  It’s saved on my DVR.  I can close my eyes and picture exactly what’s going on in every scene. 

I’ll also admit it’s saved on my DVR so I can fall asleep while the movie plays.  (I also have a few familiar World War II epics which work ...

I recall someone observing that, in life, there are three types of people behind the wheel:  maniacs, idiots and good drivers.

Here's how they break down: maniacs drive faster than you, idiots drive slower than you and good drivers maintain your speed (but aren't nearly as gifted drivers as you are).

That reality came to mind in the middle of a Costco parking lot today.  I was making a quick run for the $1.50 dog & drink deal when it was confirmed: the holiday idiots and maniacs are now out in full force.  And with a shortened fuses ...

Have you ever felt like you were going to die?  I mean, you really thought "This is it."

I have. 

One particular instance was in the late '70's when I was riding in a van with a group of American college students.  We were in an Asian country where the streets were suddenly filling with protestors.  They were declaring their hatred for both the U.S. and Christianity.  As a group of believers from the U.S., it was clear we were the very types of people the group so deeply hated.

Our van slowed as the intersection ahead ...

"What's brown and furry, has a bushy tail, gathers nuts for the winter, and lives in a tree?"

You've heard that yarn. 

The Sunday School teacher innocently asks the question and one small boy musters up his courage and says, "Well, teacher, I know the answer must be Jesus, but it sure sounds like a squirrel to me."

Right! 

As one who was raised in the church, I can understand how a child would reflexively answer any question posed in church as "Jesus."  And in all reality, it's a good thing.  That's a benefit of having ...