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…
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…
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 Do you remember this verse? Esther had been…
God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. Romans 11:29 A few weeks ago, I visited a different church with some extended family members. I know some of the pastor’s story. He was out of ministry for a time, but he has recently returned to the pastorate. He is called. And when you are called,…
I find myself re-learning the same lessons over again. This week, I was praying as I went about my morning. I found myself begging God to hear my prayers, to see my heart, to answer my prayers. Until several scriptures began running through my mind. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all…
Search the internet for the top causes of divorce and you will undoubtedly find financial issues in almost every list. It’s often stated that financial issues are the number one reason for divorce. Can I be honest? I don’t think finances are the cause of divorce. I think finances are a symptom of the bigger…
It’s a question I am asked frequently: Should I stay in my marriage? It’s also a question I wrestled with for a very long time after I discovered my first husband’s infidelity. I had made a covenant before God and man, and it wasn’t something I took lightly. I had always been taught that scripture…
Ten years ago when I started this journey, college was nowhere on my radar. This past weekend, my baby–the youngest of my three children–moved off to college. I am honestly still in shock, uncertain how it’s even possible that she’s is 18 and a high school graduate. But, here we are, watching my baby leave…
Before I dive into the rest of the interview with Gary Thomas, I want to say a few things. I have already written about Married Sex, Gary’s latest book written with Debra Fileta. Sadly, many of you have heard many negative and critical comments about it. It is so important that we refuse to take words…
Since I frequently write about adultery, divorce, and abuse, I also follow a number of Christian writers who focus on these topics. Most of the time, I find great compassion and a desire to help the church better understand the plight of those of us who have experienced this type of victimization. I have used…
There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken 78away from her.” Luke 10:42 One thing… Have you ever thought about it? Jesus told us there was only one thing worth being concerned about. The Psalmist said there was only one thing he asked of the Lord (Psalm…