Bette Dowdell

The question before us is why the Bible’s central message about Christianity, mentioned loudly and clearly, remains a secret. Even to those who call themselves Christian. The New Testament is filled up, packed down and running over with a message that few people recognize, let alone understand.

Most people, even most Christians, define Christianity as being a good person. If you’ve never been to church, I can understand this lack of knowledge. But if you’ve spent time in a pew, you should know that can’t be the answer. Read more »

Well, everybody knows that God is love. But few know that the Bible says God hates seven things. God hates things that destroy love or make love impossible by building barriers between us and others and God.

Here’s how Proverbs 6 puts it: Read more »

Some years back, my youngest brother joined IBM to sell computer systems. Since I had worked in IBM’s computer sales, he asked if I could offer some tips about success. Read more »

Since my dad and mom were both preachers, I spent a fair amount of time in church. And since both were good preachers–and knowledgeable–I even listened to what they had to say. Daddy’s approach was intelligent, logical and humorous while Mom sparked her sermons with occasional fire-breathing, pulpit-pounding moments. Neither had a problem with sleepers in the pews. Read more »

Bette Dowdell

Some people nowadays lack interest in the “love your neighbor” concept. None of that wussie stuff for them, thank you very much. That’s for lilies. Read more »

God created Lucifer, now known as Satan, as one of the three top angels in Heaven. Read more »

I’m a cookie baker of some renown. I enjoy baking cookies, and much practice has made me pretty darn good at it. Read more »

Anybody who’s been around kids knows about death spiral days. Tell me this comes as news, and I’ll say you haven’t been paying attention. They happen in the best of families. Read more »

So there I was in Home Depot, checking out the caulk. As I read labels extolling the virtues of each particular type of caulk, I heard a young child’s voice behind me, firmly announcing the day’s schedule to whomever was with her. I turned to see a young father, clearly ga-ga over his little girl. Read more »

All kinds of people push conformity. But why? Fitting in may sound harmless, but it leads to all kinds of misery. We need to talk about this. Read more »

(An excerpt from On We March: A memoir of growing up in The Salvation Army) by Bette Dowdell Read more »

An excerpt from On We March: A memoir of growing up in The Salvation Army by Bette Dowdell Read more »

Some say, “Good things come to those who wait.” It’s a funny thing, though. Good things almost never come when waiting’s all that’s happening. Read more »

Pity the poor novice who innocently walks into a ‘with it’ church to worship. They expect to hear a little music, perhaps a reading from the Bible and somebody talking about God. Read more »

Some years ago, new residents in town, we ventured into church one Sunday. There were five of us: a set of parents, sufficiently presentable to fit in well in just about any club, and three cute-as-a-button children: fourth-grade Chrissie, second-grade Chuckie, and Rachel, my three-year-old niece who had just come to live with us. Just your normal All-American family goes to church scenario. Read more »