Love, Pray, Listen

You know 1 Corinthians 13, right? Sure, so do I. And you love your kids, right? Me, too! At least I thought I did until I read Mary DeMuth’s latest book Love, Pray, Listen. Mary uses this familiar passage on love to show us how to love, I mean really love our adult(ish) children. ParentingContinueContinue reading “Love, Pray, Listen”

The Patterns of Prayer

It’s easy to realize we need to pray more, but how often do you find yourself kneeling beside your bed, hands folded … and nothing comes out of your mouth? Or do you just spout off items like you’re reading a grocery list? We’ve heard that we can just talk to God like we’re talkingContinueContinue reading “The Patterns of Prayer”

The Power of Prayer

Photo by Tara Winstead on Pexels.com How often have we heard (or said), “I’ll pray; I’m sorry I can’t do more”? Here’s the thing, though, prayer is the single most important thing we can do to combat worry – in our own lives and the lives of others. Prayer is foundational to the Christian life,ContinueContinue reading “The Power of Prayer”

Jesus Is Follow Worthy

When parents first discover they’re expecting a child, they start dreaming about names for their baby. Maybe a boy name and a girl name—just in case. Maybe the baby will be named after a family member—like the long line of Elizabeths and Jims in my own family. Maybe it’s a twist on a new-fangled nameContinueContinue reading “Jesus Is Follow Worthy”

Embrace the Grace

Growing up in church, I thought all pastors’ families were supposed to be perfect. At least, that was what was to be portrayed. They were always smiling, always serving, always hospitable, and the children were always obedient (insert adult eye roll).  And I don’t know how I acquired the false idea that some sins wereContinueContinue reading “Embrace the Grace”

Come and See … Then Go and Tell!

Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash You know the deflated feeling after a much-anticipated holiday or event has passed. You’ve planned, cleaned, and cooked for weeks, and all of a sudden, all that’s left are dirty dishes and a stray toy peeking out from under the couch. Posting the pictures to social media helps us relive theContinueContinue reading “Come and See … Then Go and Tell!”

Everyone Loves a Road Trip

Everyone loves a good road trip—the freedom of the open road, escaping the everyday chores staring us in the face at home, and the novelty of experiencing new places. Sometimes the destination is unknown and everything about the trip becomes a chance to explore new vistas along the way. Or kids bounce up and downContinueContinue reading “Everyone Loves a Road Trip”

The Ultimate Victory of Jesus

*This is a guest post by my friend Kim Findlay. Find her blog, books, and Bible studies on her website. * Their steps were heavy with grief as they walked toward the tomb early that morning. Silence hung in the air between them, reminding them of their sorrow. How could he be gone? Shock stillContinueContinue reading “The Ultimate Victory of Jesus”

Satisfaction Is in the Sanctuary

I used to be a complainer. I mean, like really. In spite of the sign I still (as an empty nester) have in my house that says No Whining. I complained to fellow worship team members about having to get up so early on a Sunday morning. (And totally missed the irony of that.) IContinueContinue reading “Satisfaction Is in the Sanctuary”

Sticky and Sweet: Church Relationships

“It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” Although Charles Dickens was referring to mid 19th-century England, I suspect many of us could say the same about our relationships within the organized church. We all know that the church should be a refuge, a hospital for sinners and the weary, yetContinueContinue reading “Sticky and Sweet: Church Relationships”