Better Together

Several of our friends grew up in a cult.  A big part of their lives was the close-knit community.  They were taught to help others in need, to pray for the sick ones, to stick together, to celebrate together.  The teens were encouraged to only marry within the cult and to that end there were weekly…

Confident Trust

 I shouldn’t start a blog post with an apology, but I’m going to!  This blog is a mish-mash of things that happened in the last week.  I’ve included the Scriptures that have helped me process these stories. I’m sure every one of us has read ‘ad nausium’ about goals lately since it’s the first month…

In Good Hands

At the beginning of every new year, we’re encouraged to improve ourselves, make goals, and take control of our lives.  This isn’t wrong, but it’s only part of the story.  Besides turning inward, we need to turn Godward.  We find peace when we recognize that God is sovereign.  We can only do so much.  He…

If Only

A friend of ours died 3 days ago as of this writing.  He had been healthy and active.  He loved Jesus deeply.  It was his joy to talk about the Bible with his friends and family.  He served his wife and family faithfully with a heart full of love.  He was unselfish, gentle, and deeply…

Room

Did you ever stop to think how our culture influences how we celebrate Christmas?  And not just the culture at large, but our own subcultures- how our family, church, and friends celebrate or don’t celebrate the holiday.  In our nine Christmases in a third-world Asian country, not once did we celebrate as we would have…

Promise Keeper

Is there someone in your life who is trustworthy?  You know they will do their best to keep their word?  When they promise, they mean to keep that promise.  Their word seals the deal. Yet even the best-intentioned humans fail.  They can’t keep their promise because they get sick, or even die before making good…