Brood is actually an interesting word because the most common definition in the English language means "to sit on" and "incubate" as a mother hen sits on her eggs. What an apt word picture for what I can do with a conflict or crisis. A chapter-a-day podcast from Psalm 116. Text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

Along my life journey, I've seen tremendous change. A chapter-a-day podcast from Psalm 115. Text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

Along my journey, I have experienced discord and division among any number of groups to which I belonged. This includes family, churches, community organizations, and most recently, a nation.A chapter-a-day podcast from Psalm 114. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

There are two themes in the Great Story that I have repeatedly mentioned across the 15 years I've been writing these chapter-a-day posts, and they are beautifully present in today's chapter, Psalm 113. They are, however, easily missed by the casual reader. A chapter-a-day podcast from Psalm 113. Text version can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com

Many years ago, as my life was emerging from the ash heap I had made of it, I happened upon today's chapter, Psalm 112. I remember reading the lyrics to this ancient Hebrew song and realizing that it described the person I want to become and to be on this earthly journey. A chapter-a-day podcast from Psalm 112. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

The further I get in my journey the more I appreciate the fact that the most important and profound of spiritual truth is found not in seminary classes but in the simple instructional songs of children. A chapter-a-day podcast from Psalm 111. Text version can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

In the mystery of Melchizedek, I'm reminded that faith requires of me the humility to accept that there are truths that lie in mystery. They are deeper, older, and unfathomable this side of eternity. A chapter-a-day podcast from Psalm 110. Text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

I thought he was my friend, and I continue to believe that he truly was at one time. I’m not sure when the smile became a lie. I’m not sure when our conversations became reconnaissance for his operational purposes to hurt me. A chapter-a-day podcast from Psalm 109. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

In my life, I have found change to be really difficult for people in almost any circle of life. When you mix in both change and religious tradition it can take on an added layer of emotion. A chapter-a-day podcast from Psalm 108. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

In the quiet this morning, I'm seeing the pattern. Out of darkness into the light. Up from the valley to the mountaintop. Return from exilic adversity to the blessing of finding myself safe at home. This is the Great Story. It's life's story. It's my story, too. A chapter-a-day podcast from Psalm 107. Text version may always found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.