Tag Archives: purpose

Knowing Why We Are Here Matters

Posted on June 16, 2025 by mitchteemley

Thought for the Week An agnostic friend asked, “What is the purpose of life? Why don’t religions tell us?” I responded, “Actually, Jesus and others in the Bible do tell us the purpose of life. It’s to know and love … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Quips and Quotes, Religion and Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 27 Comments

Running the Race Set Before Me

Posted on June 1, 2025 by mitchteemley

It’s true, Jesus is my hero. But he’s so much more than that. And, yes, I’m aware that some (non-historian) people believe he never existed. Or that he was only loosely based on an obscure, deluded rabbi. And then later … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, For Pastors and Teachers, Quips and Quotes, Religion and Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 32 Comments

How to Remember Your Future

Posted on May 19, 2025 by mitchteemley

Thought for the Week Thirteen Years. That’s how long Marcel Proust spent writing and expanding his seven-volume autobiographical novel. He obsessed over getting every detail right, and leaving nothing out. Only no one would publish it. So he published it … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Memoir | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 37 Comments

A Perfect Calm Before the Storm

Posted on May 6, 2025 by mitchteemley

My Real Memoir I stood in the dark one final time, and said, “Look, if you’re there, just cough or something.” As always, there was no answer. I was angry at God for not existing (although I wouldn’t admit it). … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, Memoir, Movies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 25 Comments

Slowly Drowning With No One “Up Top”

Posted on April 29, 2025 by mitchteemley

“Deep Sea Diver” by TolyanMy My Real Memoir I was busy, but not fulfilled. When I wasn’t writing, directing, acting, or falling in love, I felt empty, isolated. My big little academy The Newport Institute of the Arts had become a turnkey … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Humor, Memoir, Religion and Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 38 Comments

This Is the Meaning of Life

Posted on April 27, 2025 by mitchteemley

I don’t usually get choked up over doctrinal statements. But the first time I read this summary of the purpose of human life drafted by the Westminster Assembly, a gathering of English and Scottish clergy in 1646, something in me … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Quips and Quotes, Religion and Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 47 Comments

The Instrument That Changed the World

Posted on April 19, 2025 by mitchteemley

The cross is both a crude instrument of torture and a precise surgical device. As the former, it demonstrates God’s unrelenting love for us. And as the latter, it cuts open our hearts and implants his life-giving presence in us. … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Quips and Quotes, Religion and Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 26 Comments

Everything That Matters Most in Life

Posted on April 7, 2025 by mitchteemley

Thought for the Week Everything that matters most in life is tied to death: forgiveness, resolving differences, healing wounded hearts. When death looms, we suddenly remember the only thing that matters is love.* If only death were always with us … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, For Pastors and Teachers, Quips and Quotes, Religion and Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 31 Comments

Caterpillars Don’t Become Butterflies!

Posted on March 10, 2025 by mitchteemley

Thought for the Week Did you know that caterpillars are not “transformed” into butterflies? In metamorphosis (the name of the process), a caterpillar is liquefied. Only after its actual death can an entirely new creature, a butterfly, emerge! Most people’s … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Humor, Quips and Quotes, Religion and Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 136 Comments

Looking for Love and the Meaning of Life

Posted on February 11, 2025 by mitchteemley

Photo by Ron Lach My Real Memoir It wasn’t the first time my heart had been pierced. But it was the deepest cut it had ever received. Why? Because, when my first two “I love yous,” Marty and Dar, had left, they’d … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Humor, Memoir | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments