Heading into the holidays can seem like a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your life circumstances. Some of us are looking forward to spending time around the Thanksgiving table, counting our blessings and carving the turkey. We can't wait to put away the pumpkins and pull out the awesome bling of Christmas. Others of us have experienced a loss this year. Perhaps a loved one passed, or you got laid off, or your marriage died. Perhaps your health is suffering, or a long-hoped for dream failed to materialize. Life is full of curve balls. It's also full of blessings. We Continue Reading
How to Teach your Children the Difference between a Hero and a Savior
“Jesus is my favorite super hero!” announced my four-year-old grandson, face beaming. I smiled, but his comment got me thinking. Apparently, someone at Reuel’s preschool or at children’s church was attempting to make Jesus relate-able to kids who might not have a frame of reference for who he is. However, children need to understand... Jesus didn’t come to earth to be our hero. He came to be our Savior. That’s a vital distinction. Jesus is in a class all by himself. No super hero comes anywhere near his power or his compassion. Here are just a few ways super heroes can’t Continue Reading
4 Helpful Ways to Approach Your Time in the Bible
I was a pretty dramatic seventh-grader. My faith was real to me, and I was ready to take on the world for Jesus. I read books like Tortured for Christ and God's Smuggler and pondered, What would it be like to be thrown in prison and have my Bible taken away? Thankfully, I've been free to read the Word of God pretty much every day for decades. Bible reading is a necessity for spiritual health, so I'm not trying to impress you ... just inspire you So how do we approach this important spiritual discipline? There's no "correct" way to read the Bible, but allow me to share a few Continue Reading
6 Things I Appreciate about my Female Friends
I’m sitting in a restaurant with our church youth group. Suddenly, all the girls get up and go to the restroom together. A mischievous light gleams in the boys’ eyes. Whispers ensue. When the girls return, all the guys get up and go to the restroom at the same time. It’s been years since this hilarious episode took place, but it still serves as a great example of male and female uniqueness when it comes to how we do friendship. Female friendships have particular strengths and weaknesses. Here are some qualities I appreciate about the women I consider to be my true friends: Continue Reading