Archive — Daniel Blackaby
25 Jun
My Teeth: A Tragic Tale – In Seven Acts
Recently I received notice from my dentist that I was past due for my annual checkup. Reluctantly, my younger sister Carrie and I booked appointments. We’ve had very different track records with our teeth. On one hand, Carrie’s never experienced a cavity. Having shared a sink since birth I’m painfully aware of why; athletes have completed Olympic triathlons in less time than she spends brushing. I, on the other hand, got about a one/per appointment ratio going. But this time I was determined things would be different.
23 Jun
To Nap, Or Not To Nap…Is There Really A Question?
Throughout history there have been many dynamic duos: Batman/Robin, Pinkie/The Brain, Brad Pitt/Angelina Jolie. But the most deadly duo of all? My buddy Robbie and I. That’s deadly as in, “from the perspective of our camp counselors.” Oh yes, Rob and I terrorized many youth camps in our day. That is until the unthinkable happened, we got old.
17 Jun
It Shall Be a Duel…to the Death!
Basement cleaning day….the mere mention can send shivers down a spine. The year was 1994. The setting: a dimly lit basement. The scenario; a young boy, with his siblings, slaving away under the oppressing tyranny of their parents….I was that boy. This is my tale…
5 Jun
The Time I Almost Got Away With It…
Early on in school I developed an important philosophy. It goes as follows: School is not about how hard you work, it’s about how hard your teacher THINKS you worked. Yeah, just call me Aristotle. I spent years (and several detentions) perfecting this talent of mine. By the time seventh grade rolled around I was masterful. The amount of hours worked in comparison to the grades was something to be admired. I soon learned however, that even a great theory such as mine is not fail-proof.
Sitting at my desk daydreaming, I didn’t even notice my teacher start lecturing. One word violently dragged me back into reality, “Ok, let’s start PRESENTATIONS…”
30 May
Ready…Set…Wait?
Have you ever had opportunities to see different parts of the world? I’ve been fortunate to have experienced many different cultures. I’ve stood in the shadows of the Athenian Parthenon, gazed down from the Eiffel tower, sailed the Amazon River, and safaried into the African wilderness. But all these amazing places have had one thing in common: hopelessness. Ever seen the slums? If so, you can relate that they break your heart. I’m always filled with conviction, “I need to do something!” I long to rush out and start making a difference. However, God has been convicting me lately of the question, “Who has the power to change this world?”
19 May
How’d I End Up Here?
I’ve realized something about myself: I’m a complete sucker for compliments. A couple years ago while doing intern missions in Athens, Greece however, this got me into some big trouble.
11 May
They Call Me…Batman
My phone rang, interrupting my sleep. Answering it, I was greeted by the barely recognizable sobs of my friend Tracy. She was house-sitting a large country house and something must have spooked her I thought. “Just wait Tracy, I’ll come by.”
Opening the front door I called out, “Tracy, I’m H…” I was cut off by a blood-curling scream, “SHUT THE DOOR! Don’t let any more in!” Quickly slamming the door I spun around, there stood Tracy looking awful. She informed me that while on the computer, “Something had flown past her head.” Assuring her that she was merely letting the fright of being home alone get to her, I offered to inspect the house to comfort her.
1 May
Translating God
I really respect and admire anyone who is multi-lingual. What an amazing talent! Unfortunately I have also come to realize I will never be that person. Early in the semester, my seventh grade French teacher kindly “suggested” that I drop his French class and take another option instead. Expressing that maybe the French language “isn’t for everybody,” he quickly added that I had “a long list of talents…but French is not on that list.” All aspirations of becoming the next ambassador to France came to an abrupt halt in that moment.
24 Apr
I’ll Do It! …Later
I don’t have what you’d call a “driven” personality. My motto is: Why put off until tomorrow what you can put off indefinitely? Over the years I have tested my dad’s patience many times with my token phrase: “I’ll do it later….” I thought I was getting by just fine with this approach to life until last year, during my second semester of college. That was a time when my dad would say: Justice is sweet.
15 Apr
Friendly Neighborhood Insomniac - Part 3
Over the past two weeks, I’ve shared how I reached a breaking point with my insomnia and how God responded in a miraculous way. However, despite feeling His comfort, I still couldn’t sleep at night. For three months I waited on God to cure my insomnia. I knew God cared about my situation, but I saw no reason why He wouldn’t help me. Then youth camp came along and put everything into perspective!
To cut through the awkward silence of our first nightly church-group sharing time, I spoke up, “Hey not to sound like a broken record, but my insomnia is as bad as ever. Could you keep praying? Maybe God will take it away…”
