Evil has a time limit, and its clock is running down. I recently read two fiction books about corrupt church leaders. They both touched on the disappointment in the hearts of those who find so much hypocrisy in the church. Though fiction, the theme addresses the reality of the times. A non-fiction book, Shepherds for …
Cold Wax
My husband found an adorable little gallery in a small town down the road from us. Beautiful, handmade gifts line the shelves, with stained glass suncatchers painting colors all over the room. Before we left, we bought two soy candles that boasted of air-cleaning capabilities on the sign above them. He picked his favorite scent, …
Engaging Difficult People Biblically
After teaching teenagers since August, I jokingly told my Costco checker that I am nearly strong enough to work retail at Christmastime. He laughed with an eyebrow raised that implied his uncertainty at my readiness. Since I have never worked retail and he has never taught middle school and high school students, we might both …
Replace Anxiety with Fear
There is no doubt that anxiety has taken over our culture. According to “The Anxious Generation,” anxiety is not relegated to America alone, but to every culture where the pocketed smartphone is the norm. Though not written from a Christian worldview, the author’s research highlights the increasing levels of depression and anxiety in the …
Use the Last Straw to Light the Sacrifice
Have you heard Christian comedian and singer Mark Lowry's story about how he knew when his mother had ENOUGH? If you need a laugh, you can find it here. Mark wished for a ten-second warning for when Mama had enough. It is a light-hearted look from a child’s perspective, but every mother can …
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We Cannot Teach What We Do Not Know
As an upcoming, first-year teacher, the beginning of the school year looks daunting. Thankfully, my schedule is light, and I have had time to prepare. Health is already a passion, so diving into the curriculum and searching for supplemental aids to teach four classes a week is much more enjoyable than a subject like math …
Aligning With the Enemy or Overcoming Him?
The enemy wins when we engage others with his own tactics. Angry, hateful accusations tread on his territory. Election season must be a fruitful season for his work to be accomplished, but no special occasion is necessary. Gossip, criticism, and disrespectfulness can become daily habits in our homes and churches. Election season will just magnify …
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Meditations in the Fire’s Forging
Real faith upends the pre-conceptions of who Jesus is from the tiny box of human expectation and understanding. The apostle Peter and the other eleven walked the crucible of disappointment as Jesus revealed Himself to the world, not as the reigning Messiah, but as the suffering Servant. Those three black days of Jesus’ silent occupation …
Happy Best Friends Day!
Life offers up some lonely places at times. Our family has moved so many times, I refuse to count anymore. With each tearing up of roots comes new growth opportunities, but it does take time to build new friendships. It also takes intention. As I read the story of Jonathan and David yesterday, I was …
Jesus and the Social Gospel
I have been doing a lot of reading for an upcoming research paper, which includes objectively addressing the opposition to my topic of abortion. Surprisingly, I have found that many Christian denominations support abortion because it can alleviate poverty. As I have read their Biblical arguments, one author quoted a verse that Jesus used to …
His Song in the Night 