Andrew Akard 
Repetition produces understanding. That is why a musician practices for many, many- MANY- hours before they can call themselves a professional. Or why an athlete has to repeat the same movement over, and over, and over, in order just to be the most competitive they can be. Learning a language, or math, or any skill or knowledge area that requires …
In Genesis 15, God promised Abraham that his descendants would be numerous beyond comprehension, that they would be enslaved for 400 years by another nation, and that afterwards they would inherit the land that Abraham was that movement standing on and be blessed. Admittedly, Abraham did have a lapse of faith in this promise when his wife Sara was unable …
Psalm 23 (King James Version): The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will …
Who, or What, do you want to be? We all heard that question as kids. At that age we probably answer that question with a job title; superhero, firefighter, veterinarian, teacher, or something like that. Years later we have a much more complex answer to that question. Who and what we want to be involves more than just the job …
New year’s resolutions. Lots of us make them. Maybe yours have included a new diet, or perhaps a new exercise plan? Maybe you wanted to read more? Perhaps you have planned to develop a new skill like learn an instrument or even a new language. Have you thought to yourself that this next year, you are going to keep in …
Ecology is the endlessly complex network of how every living thing in the world interacts with each other, lives with each other, gives birth, dies, and feeds each other. It describes the way plants and creatures survive in and are shaped by the non-living world. It outlines the lives of the very largest of animals and the most colossal of …
Allow me, if you will, to put in your mind the image of a great big clock, or if you prefer, some other type of big, complex machine. There are so many different parts, so many different functions and structures, all designed to click with one another to make the whole operation work seamlessly. The person building it would therefore …
Think of the superheroes you loved growing up. Who were your favorites? I know that when I was a kid my favorites were easily Spider-Man and Batman. These days the kids probably prefer the Avengers. I promise that I’m going somewhere with this. First, let’s take a look at the origin stories of some of these characters: Steve Rogers, US …
What does stewardship mean? Being a steward is different from being an owner. An owner of an object is the one who has ultimate authority over it in its use, its alteration, and even its destruction. A steward supervises something on behalf of their owner, and their authority over the object only goes so far as the owner has outlined. …
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declared the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future…” Yes, we have probably all heard the famous verse Jeremiah 29:11 many times before. It is one of those popular verses that people will list if you ask them to tell …