This initial perusal through friendship ends with this chapter. We know intuitively that friendship means having a common bond, but it can be a common bond caused by almost anything. It can come from shared worldviews, being of the same blood, common hobby, favorite color or preferred coffee house. This randomness of friendship is part…
Man’s BaneWhat was Paul’s thorn in the flesh? Despite the fact that there are too many theories tucked away in obscurity, I have discovered the answer. Actually, I’ve always known the answer, just as every man actually knows the answer. You see – Paul’s thorn in the flesh is the bane of every man. By…
It is built into the core of our being that we assign value with friendship. Such things as companionship, trust, openness, grounding, protecting, tending, laughing, loving, wrestling and familiarity are ostensive examples of the deeper value of friendship. Friendship is something worth striving for, possessing and maintaining. Friendship is a prize. Not a prize as…
EntertainmentTwo highlights in my daily routine are to call and check in with Rachelle during lunch and on my way home from work. The reason is the stories accounted to me from Rachelle’s ordeal…umm…day as she runs our household. As any parent can attest, my mind dizzies when I consider all the stories we forget…
Friendships are not myopic. Yes, yes – friendships are built on commonalities, but a little liberty please. Maybe for just one moment we can diminish this requirement concerning friendship. Possibly it is just not as important as we think it is. I would suggest that we have succumbed to a mindset that desires to equate…
A SHOT A DAY </strong The comedian Brian Regan has a skit that goes like something like this… “There’s this little kid who lets go of his balloon and he starts crying. His dad says to him ‘What are you crying about? It’s a balloon; we’ll get you another one.’ But imagine if you took…
Jonathan and David may be the most famous of all the friends in the Bible. However, the greatest friend found in the Bible is the Great Friend – our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Our survey into friendship will continually return to our great, perfect example found in Jesus. Jesus’ teachings impacting friendship starts with…
A biblical investigation on the topic of friendship seems odd. In retrospect, my proverbial highway has been littered by more friends than anything else – more than enemies or those ladies who suffered my affection and devotion as a youngling. I am embarrassed at my attempts over the years at being a good friend. I…
TOO EASY A few times a week I go over Greek and Hebrew with Charis (5) and Naomi (4). Both have shown an aptitude toward languages but Naomi’s aptitude borders on exceptional. One day a month ago Naomi decided she didn’t want to do the flash cards. Unfortunately, she wasn’t given an option. Doing the…
Read “Friends,” a heartfelt poem that uses vivid metaphors to depict friends’ various roles in our lives, from a comforting cradle to a steadfast coffin.