By Jim Nichols There is a strong tendency for us to get side-tracked by issues that may be only relatively important. This happens in our personal lives and in our lives as followers of God. Each of us, for example, has suffered significant frustration concerning the way our chosen local congregation has addressed (and continues to address) issues. Whatever the

By Jim Nichols In many ways he is kind of a “pastor’s pastor.” His career in ministry is filled with helpful and inspiring teaching and acts that have been both engaging and edifying as he has tried to be God’s person. One of the aspects of his ministry has been to be involved in and conduct an uncountable number of

By Jim Nichols The forestry worker was carrying a red container of fuel. As he poured out the fuel, he simultaneously pulled a trigger that sparked a flame that ignited the fuel. Walking through the forest, he was setting it on fire—on purpose. Why would that be a positive act? A clearly distinguishing feature of pine trees is, of course,

By Jim Nichols We humans like our rhythms. There seems to be an inbuilt comfort for us that we move through a day, a week, a month, even a year and have certain responsibilities, pleasures, and even requirements that occur with a degree of predictability. When our expected pattern is interrupted, it throws us off a bit, does it not?

By Jim Nichols If you have children, the birthdays of the children are special not only to the child, but also to you. Whether it is their first or second birthday or one much later (even as an adult), the memories of the past and joys of the present flood our parental brains. Our firstborn, Amy, is no longer a

By Jim Nichols “TIME OUT!” The umpire shouted and took off his mask. The catcher removed his also and walked toward the mound where he and the pitcher had a brief conversation. If it went too long, the umpire would head out there to shorten the break in the action.  I am glad that it is almost baseball season. Have

By Jim Nichols “Yes, I used to have a ‘church home’ (as you have called it), but that was earlier in my life. These days I don’t really connect with religion much. I have so many negative things about it in my past that I have found it easier and less stressful just to ignore it these days.” Those words

By Jim Nichols The variety of people in our lives is amazing when you think about it. Sit and reflect for a few minutes about various qualities and activities of your acquaintances and how knowing about them has enriched your life. Sometimes what they do or think causes me to wonder what adjective to use—charming, quirky, imaginative, or daring for

By Jim Nichols The punchline question for this article is “What can you and I give?” The response is “Every gift is acceptable to God.” You and I tend to rate gifts as to their relative value. Of course, this is based on our own eyes and judgments that are clearly related to our own experiences. In fact, it is