One More For JC

Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace.  All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire, says the Lord Almighty. Not a root or a branch will be left to them.  But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays.  And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.  Then you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act, says the Lord Almighty. (Malachi 4:1-3) Every time I turn on the news these days, I expect to hear about some new, horrific, horrible tragedy taking place somewhere in the world.  It’s become so prevalent that it can seem that evil is triumphing, but the truth of the matter, it will last only for a season.  The same evil that rejoiced over the crucifixion and death of Christ relinquished its triumph just three days later at His joyous resurrection.  The evil taking place today will one day meet the s

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Proverbs 17:17) I was blessed to be able to connect with five of my best friends this past weekend.  I’ve known them most of my life – some as far back as second grade.  From the first “Z Man!” it didn’t take long to revert to that child-like side of me – the one spewing one saying after another we made up some three decades ago – and loving every minute of it.  We’re still the ultra-competitive bunch giving every last drop of energy to pull out the Monopoly victory or a win on the bocce court tucked beautifully in a California vineyard.  Nobody has ever summoned my competitive will more than these guys – either in the classroom, athletic field, or board game; and few have ever raised my frustration level as high (especially when at the losing end of something). But few have ever been there for me as much as these guys – in the good times and the bad.  From dropping everything to attend my wedding, to drop