Our staff was recently offered autographed David Crowder albums. My immediate response? “Sure!” One co-worker declined. “No, thanks. I’m trying to get rid of stuff.” “Get rid of stuff.” Wow! What a concept! Got any stuff? Probably more than you know. We only get a...
The Chosen is an ongoing dramatic and historical account of the life of Jesus and who He is. To say it’s very well done glosses over the extensive thought, research, and presentation this fine series offers. The characters are portrayed as culturally authentic, yet...
As we enter its final quarter, many say 2020 can’t end too soon. So, with high hopes for 2021, what will we remember about the year we wish wasn’t? Besides the obvious answers, a few facts you may not have considered. COVID, for all its tragedy, evolution, and...
It was as if I felt a weight lift off of my chest and I could breathe! That’s what I experienced right in the middle of worship this past Sunday and it wasn’t because the music was “moving me.” This was the first time for Nathan, Izzy, and me to be back at church...
Ever feel like you’re losing your joy? Here’s where to find it: In your innocence. When we were kids, we were carefree! As we grew up, we got discouraged, disappointed, and less joyful. Our past hurts slowly affected our thinking, making us tired and susceptible to...
Do you love your kids? Of course! Thankful for your family and friends? Likely. There are a million blessings we could count. Are you so grateful you forget why? Most of us would agree God is the giver of all good things. But our lives may not show evidence of...
Hindsight is 2020
“Speaking the truth in love” is often viewed as a way to say something difficult in a gentle way. But it’s more. This Bible verse is actually part of a bigger picture instructing us to be gracious, patient, mature, more Christ-like. Truth and love are important, but...
Some shy away from “old Guy-isms.” Words of caution, words of patience, words of unmerited grace in tense situations. We may disdain "sounding old.” But I contend it's a blessing to embrace. The older I get, the wiser I get. I'm not necessarily any wiser than the next...
We’re told in scripture multiple times if we seek Him, we’ll find Him. Initially, the concept and the action are pretty easy. The hard part is the long game. Most of the time real results come from a daily, disciplined, intentional process that takes patience,...
Those 2 words...maybe you used them today, maybe you use them every day. But the question I have for you is do you REALLY mean those 2 words? Or when you say "I'm doing good" or "It's okay." See, those phrases, those words, they seem to roll off the tongue of most of...
If you ever needed a pick-me-up, this morning pledge from Jenabu Williams and his 6-year-old son would definitely do it! Here’s the original video (you go dad!): Jenabu Facebook Vid
It’s a whale of a tale! These are Bible stories told by a cute kid! For more kid Bible-story readings, click here! Whale of Tale (click to listen)
It’s an era when it seems everything is being recorded. We take videos of everything. Security cameras are everywhere. There’s a record of everything online. There are plenty of reasons to record as much as possible. It helps us remember information and recall special...
As school starts and schedules change, it’s easy to feel like you have to be perfect…the perfect mom, the perfect wife, or maybe even the perfect Christian. The truth is perfection is not just a ridiculously high standard; it’s an impossible standard. This truth can...
As our past gets longer, it’s easy to have regrets. Some are pretty embarrassing! Remember the 70s? It’s almost trendy to make fun of the 70s, but I say it gets a bad rap. The Brady Bunch?!? Silk shirts. Big striped bell bottom pants. Some of the music. Oh my gosh....
Every day there are a thousand opportunities to offend. It’s easy. Just “weigh in” on the topic du jour. (There are really only about three currently in rotation. You know what they are.) Somebody speaks out. Someone gets offended, and speaks out, thereby offending...
Your wedding day. Your graduation. Your son or daughter’s baptism. The birth of your first grandchild. These are great examples of major life events! It was during one of these momentous occasions of celebration when I received this sound advice. “Soak it up.” Enjoy...
We’re instructed to have “childlike faith.” It’s easier said than done. Somewhere between 2 and 62, our DNA changes. Kids start off knowing nothing. All they know is they want stuff. But they need you! The more they grow, the more they know. They still need you, but...
There are lots people to blame and lots of people who are wrong. And lots of people are making that very well known. You don’t have to be one of those people. Sure, it’s good to “take a stand." Sure, “if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything." We’ve...