August 30, 2023. I had an alert come across my phone about an officer-involved shooting. I quickly opened my phone to watch the news conference. To my surprise, the picture of my friend with the beautiful smile flashed across the screen. She had been shot and killed by her husband, one of her fellow deputies….
It’s been six years. This weekend, September 2, Roy and I will celebrate six years of marriage. Six years of changes. Six years of blending two very different families. Six years of learning and growing. Six years of experiencing God’s redemption. Don’t let me fool you. It hasn’t been six years of wedded bliss. It’s…
What’s your rescue story? I have heard so many rescue stories over my lifetime. Stories of rescue from the grips of drug addiction and alcohol. Stories of marriages rescued from the brink of divorce. Stories of miraculous births after infertility. Stories of healing that can only be explained as a miracle of God. But I’ve…
“Are you truly happy?” That was the question posed to me earlier this week in a conversation with a friend facing divorce after a decades-long marriage. It’s the fear of the unknown that creates so much anxiety, even when the marriage was unbelievably difficult, fraught with betrayal and pain of the deepest kind. Will I…
Every year, Life.Church has a special series in July called At the Movies. Each location goes all out, choosing a movie theme and decorating the lobby with incredible scenes from memorable movies. Pastor Craig Groeschel chooses a movie each week, shows clips from the movies, and then brings biblical lessons from the movie. (I highly encourage…
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9 Roy and I decided to go to see The Sound of Freedom at the movie theater Tuesday. If you haven’t see the trailer, I encourage you to watch it here. The movie portrays the true story of Tim…
Deconstructing Christianity. It seems to be all the rage these days, outspoken individuals raised in the church who are sharing their stories. Telling of how they have left the faith. Discussing the disappointments of unanswered prayers. Sharing how they have been disillusioned by their upbringing. I listen intently, inquisitively. Many of these individuals have faced…
It’s a thankless job. When is the last time you read Proverbs 31? Let’s take a few minutes to read it: A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all…
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3 I woke up Sunday morning with these words running through my mind. As I began to pray for my children that morning, I couldn’t shake the scripture. I’m laying my requests at your feet…
April 19, 1995, stands as a day of infamy in the United States and in Oklahoma. On that fateful day, a truck was parked in front of the Murrah Federal Building. It was filled with explosives, and the detonation rocked the entire city of Oklahoma City. As the smoke cleared, the Murrah building was destroyed….
Seven years ago. I have relived that day over and over, but for some reason this year it is really taking an emotional toll on me. Last night as I drove home from dinner with my daughter, I began to reflect on that day. I found myself in tears–both good and bad. Seven years ago…
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…