I love the Fourth of July. I love cooking out, splashing in the pool with friends, and watching fireworks. Patriotic music and the red, white, and blue give me a lump in my throat. Though we celebrate our independence, we celebrate somewhat in ignorance. Most of us have never been without it. We’ve had  life,…

Silence. Crickets. Dead air. When it comes to prayer, have you ever prayed and then—nothing? I hate that. I dread the battle that’s coming between flesh and spirit. My spirit is willing, but my flesh is not. My flesh wants to: Run ahead of God. Take the bull by the horns. Say yes in spite…