I was a twenty-year-old youth pastor’s wife living in rural Colorado the day I stood in a bank ladies’ room and saw two lines on a stick staring back at me. A spirited young lady who worked the teller line next to me, often enticing me to join her in loudly singing bad versions of…
When I went through childbirth classes, our instructor admonished us not to tense up during contractions. She encouraged us to relax instead so they could do what they were intended to do. Tensing up and fighting the pain only prevents the contractions from accomplishing their purpose. The less effective they are, the more of them…
What we hope ever to do with ease, we must first learn to do with diligence. ~Samuel Johnson The “word for the year” trend passed me by until this year. I think it had to do with having two babies fifteen months apart. I didn’t have time to think deeply about what I wanted my…
During a nine-month study on the book of Romans, our small group found ourselves discussing chapter 12 the same week Reverend Billy Graham passed from earth to heaven. Our discussion began with what it looks like to live a life as a living sacrifice, as addressed in Romans 12:1–2. Romans 12:1–2 (CSB) says, “Therefore, brothers…
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2 NIV) My family is really picky about food. When I talk about this pickiness with other mamas, I usually get a good bit of sympathy, confirming the extreme…
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV) We all love a good police drama. My favorite episodes are when they call in a guy (or woman) to defuse a bomb or talk down a hostage…