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I’ve been learning Spanish with a number of courses that I have purchased and downloaded over the internet. These are audio-based courses, which means that I can listen the lessons in the car, at the fitness center, etc., rather than have to sit in front of a computer. These courses stress the ability to recognize and speak Spanish by listening to and emulating the speech of native (Latin American) speakers. This is how we all learned as children. The courses vary in quality and content, but if you want to follow some of the paths I’ve taken, here are my recommendations among those I’ve tried and the order in which I take them now. Synergy Spanish ($67) is the one that I’d start with. Though it’s the least “professional” in audio quality, I like the way that it builds Spanish skills around just 138 words. I was quite surprised at how much I learned in a short time. There is a good handbook that goes with the course. Rocket Spanish Level 1 ($100) is the best documented cour...

What to do when the old ways don't work (based on Mark 6:45-52) Copyright 2008 James McAlister   Listen here

Steps for finding direction in life (based on Matthew 7:7-10). Copyright 2008 James McAlister     Listen here

My wife's death a year ago immediately plunged me into many new behaviors, almost all exceedingly difficult to embrace. But the extreme distress and displacement I once felt is virtually gone, and I'm now developing a workable routine--of sorts. And in the process I've had to learn (or at least have been working on learning) some "new tricks" for this old dog. Let me share some of them with you so you'll know where I am. In July I rejoined the fitness center and try to go every day except Sunday. The exercise has been therapeutic, and my overall health has certainly improved. But upon wise counsel from friend Rod Gilbreath, I engaged the services of a personal trainer to help me with a program for strengthening my injured knee. Plus, the trainer has developed a well-rounded exercise plan that I can follow from week to week. Those who have suffered the death of a loved one know how distressing holidays can be. I was part of a couple, with my wife being the ene...

How should we confront the difficult times life invariably brings? One way is to learn from those who have succeeded in similar straits. Joseph the patriarch faced incredible trials, and his life holds many lessons to give us hope. Let's look at four. DELIVERANCE IS COMING At age 17 Joseph (one of 12 sons of Jacob) was cast into a pit by his brothers, who plotted to kill him. Why? Because Joseph was their father's favorite, and he singled Joseph out for special favors. Plus, Joseph had two unusual dreams indicating that his family would eventually bow before him in subservience. And they hated him even more for his dreams. The eldest brother, Rueben, actually opposed the plot and intended to rescue Joseph. Perhaps he might even have furtively whispered, "Don't worry, my brother. I'll get you out of this pit and restore you to your father." But in Rueben's absence, the others pulled Joseph from the pit and sold him to slave traders bound for Egypt. (Gen. 37...

Hopes from four critical points in the life of the patriarch Joseph. Copyright 2008 James McAlister    Listen here