This last week, I have been broken-hearted to see a number of videos of individuals who grew up in the church that are now turning away. They boldly proclaim why they have left the toxic church culture, explaining how they are now enlightened. The church is toxic. The church is abusive. The church keeps people […]
If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 What do you know about the story of Esther? If […]
This weekend, I was looking at what seems to be a never-ending to-do list. As we discussed how exhausted we were from a late night attending Cassie’s latest performance, I made the statement that I what I want to do seems to be different from what I need to do. And then I immediately stopped. […]
Recently, I heard someone talking about their favorite Bible story. As I began to contemplate what my favorite story is, my mind quickly jumped from story to story. As a child, I loved story of Isaac and Rebekah. I guess I’ve always been a romantic at heart. I remember hearing this story in Sunday School one day […]
This week, I was listening to a sermon about belonging. Belonging to God. Belonging to a fellowship of believers. The pastor used the movie Toy Story to illustrate his point. Do you remember how Andy wrote his name on the bottom of Woody’s shows, marking him as belonging to Andy? No one could deny that Woody […]
Have you ever been baffled by something you read in scripture? It actually happens to me frequently, but I always find myself wondering why God chose to bring Jesus through the lineage of Judah. Jesus is known as the Lion of Judah. Why not the Lion of Joseph? After all, Israel (Jacob) had eleven other […]
Over the weekend, Roy and I took a much needed break together to celebrate his birthday. We are in a season of unpredictable schedules, often working opposite hours so we don’t have much time together. We had seen the trailers for the movie A Man Called Otto with Tom Hanks, and it was on our list of […]
It’s been nearly 15 years since I heard God’s voice so clearly: step out of your comfort into the unknown because I’m waiting with outstretched hands. I was thrust into the tumultuous waves of adultery and divorce, often feeling as if I was going under. But, as God promised, He was there holding out His […]
Simplify. I hadn’t given much thought to a word for 2023, but it hit me hard Sunday. Simplify. It was almost audible, as if I knew it was God’s command to me for 2023. Simplify. Do you ever feel like your life is so busy? So complicated? Do you ever wonder what you can eliminate? […]
Christmas. It’s a time for family. A time for fun. A time to celebrate all of the blessings in this life. And, of course, it’s the time we focus our hearts and minds on the Savior who came to this earth as a precious baby, giving up the riches of heaven to take the form […]
