Category: grace
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A Lazy Summer Day
This might sound a little odd, but there are two things that I have consistently wanted throughout my life. One is a rocking chair, and the other is a hammock. The desire for other things has come and gone, but the desire for these two things has stubbornly persisted. I think that somehow, they have represented…
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An Invitation This Easter
In the time between when they saw their Lord Jesus crucified and when they saw Him again as the resurrected Christ, the disciples must have felt so many emotions: despair, grief, anger, disbelief, fear and shock. But what does the biblical text tell us about how Jesus’ disciples reacted? Silent Sabbath There is very little…
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Through the Eyes of a Child
When you serve for any length of time in children’s ministry, especially in the early elementary school years, you quickly learn to anticipate the answer you will get from the kids for any question asked of them. Their response is always Jesus. The louder they shout their response, the more their faces shine. Seriously, no…
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Letter to a Friend, Part Deux
Dear friend, You might be wondering why I opted to write “Part Deux” as opposed to “Part Two.” Am I a snob? Am I trying to impress? Probably so. Actually, no. I was once fluent in French. I majored in the language in university and had the opportunity to study abroad to develop fluency and experience…
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The God Who IS There
“Do you see things that aren’t there?” I must admit that when this question was asked of me recently, I felt like a defendant being grilled by the prosecuting attorney. Seriously. It was a direct, very specific question, but there was trickery in the air, especially in this conversation (more on that below). It seemed…
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Inspiration From the Beatitudes
I had planned to write a follow up blog post on the Beatitudes several weeks (ahem…months?) ago, but I am barely keeping my head above water with work, family and ministry responsibilities. While I don’t enjoy missing my personal goals, I rest secure in the knowledge that I am not the one in control, and…
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Always and Forever
Have you ever thought how odd the word heartbreak is? Merriam-Webster defines a heartbreak as “crushing grief, anguish or distress.” When a beloved family member passes, we experience heartbreak. A friend’s girl friend gets engaged to another man, and we might describe him as broken-hearted (or perhaps we see opportunity? More on that later…). Most people will fully understand what…
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Countercultural Patience
When I come across a thought I have read which intrigues me or offers a fresh perspective, I will mull it over throughout the day, discuss it with others, even seek to apply it. “Countercultural patience” is just that kind of thought. It is a term I came across when reading through a blog from…
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An Abundance of Emotion
Several years ago, in a small group setting, the group was asked to name something we had experienced since we had encountered Jesus. My immediate response was “peace.” I was slightly taken aback by the group leader’s follow-up question, “What if God took your peace away, would you still love Him?” The answer was, and…
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A 90-Day Fitness Challenge
Four weeks ago, I drew a line in the sand. 30 pounds will come off by mid-September. I even signed up with a personal trainer at the yoga studio where I work. To date, I am 10 pounds down. My hope is to run a half marathon with Team World Vision this October. I have…
in heartbreak and in hope 