Author Archives: Duane S. Montague

Forget Thanksgiving.

The holiday tomorrow is a weird one. Ostensibly, Thanksgiving Day is set aside for our nation to give thanks to God for His unexpected and undeserved blessings (inspired by President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation in 1863 and set as law by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1941). It’s now a day where we eat, watch a paradeContinue reading “Forget Thanksgiving.”

Don’t Forget the Wonder

There’s an important story in the life of Christ that might be good for us to take a look at before we jump into the busy holiday season that really kicks off for most of us this week.  As we get ready for the familiar feelings of baking, being with friends and family, decorating forContinue reading “Don’t Forget the Wonder”

Paul’s Incredible Juxtaposition

I love the book of Acts.  It’s an adventure story, full of leadership lessons, a lot of interpersonal drama.  After countless incredible miracles and moments, churches being planted, and the Good News spreading from Jerusalem to the capital of the Roman Empire, the unlikely hero, the apostle Paul, nears the end of his life.  While […]

Who is My Neighbor?

Last year was–a bit rough.   2018 seemed liked a bit of a hot mess in many ways.  Shootings. National unrest. Election insanity.  There’s so much anger. So much fear. Watch the news for five minutes and you’ll hear stories about race, religion, politics—most of them showing humanity at its worst.  If you’re a parent,Continue reading “Who is My Neighbor?”

You Don’t Have to Build a Rollercoaster

My favorite Disney cartoons of the past few years have been the ones about close family relationships.  The “What are we going to do today?” question of Phineas & Ferb wouldn’t have been nearly as memorable without the genuine affection their sister Candace and their parents had for the inventive kids.  Gravity Falls‘ weird and wonderfulContinue reading “You Don’t Have to Build a Rollercoaster”

Disney’s “Zootopia” is a Powerful Fable About What it Means to Be Human

The first thing you need to know about Disney’s Zootopia: it’s funny.  It’s also clever, very witty, beautifully animated, and has a lot to say about life.  In short, it’s more than just a cute idea–it’s a crime film, a comedy, and ultimately, a surprisingly deep study of what it means to be, well, human. “In Zootopia,Continue reading “Disney’s “Zootopia” is a Powerful Fable About What it Means to Be Human”

Too Much of a Good Thing

As a parent, I frequently think about what my kids pay attention to. I can tell when they begin to spend too much time thinking about things that distract them from what’s important.  When they think too much about a video game, I limit their game time.  When they get obsessive over an artist orContinue reading “Too Much of a Good Thing”