The gentle art of learning

 Posted by on Sat, Apr 18, 2015
Apr 182015
 
The gentle art of learning

  This fall, all three of our children headed different directions for school.  Our daughter, Amberly, began her sophomore year at a private Christian High School.  Our middle, Jonah, continued homeschooling for seventh grade.  Our youngest, Benjamin, began the year attending fifth grade at our local public elementary school. This academic year has been a stretch.  Each child was subjected to different methods of learning.  Varied goals and standards were placed upon each one, according to their school’s philosophy of education.  We as a family scrambled to appease the education gods.   Learning has always been something that happened naturally [ …read full story ]

“What we have and who we are is enough:” Finding Contentment

 Posted by on Mon, Mar 16, 2015
Mar 162015
 
"What we have and who we are is enough:" Finding Contentment

    So, I think I uncovered another Secret. I know there are many that we will discover throughout our Christian lives, but this is a biggie.  Paul describes the secret in Philippians 4:11-13 “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do [ …read full story ]

Embrace His Dream. Walk in God’s will. Live Well!

 Posted by on Wed, Mar 4, 2015
Mar 042015
 
Embrace His Dream. Walk in God's will. Live Well!

http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/book/ Living Well Spending Less Story  Secret #13 Embracing God’s Dream for our Lives Not too long ago, I did a little fast. It was a fast from shopping for clothes, for me. Just a little spiritual exercise, purging excess from my life, prompted by Ruth Soukup’s new book, Living Well Spending Less. One of the practices was taking time off of buying clothing. Well, that’s hard for me because I like fashion. And I like trends. And I like to look cute. But, off I went on my “shopping fast.” No sooner did I get the itch to buy [ …read full story ]

At the Gates of Heaven

 Posted by on Fri, Jan 16, 2015
Jan 162015
 
At the Gates of Heaven

Have you been to the gates of Heaven? I sat and waited there for several days last week.  You see, I was watching my mother in law go through.  It was taking a while.  So we waited.  We prayed, we read scripture, we sang. There is something about being at the gates of Heaven that brings you to your knees.  It compels worship.  It draws out prayer.  And the focus is not on the one entering heaven’s gates, but the One that will be seen past the entrance. He is bold and beautiful.  Full of goodness and light.  Glory to [ …read full story ]

The Mess after Christmas

 Posted by on Fri, Dec 26, 2014
Dec 262014
 
The Mess after Christmas

You know the feeling; heart sinks, longing; head aches, wishing; wandering, wondering, “what just happened, and why do I feel like this?” Christmas day. It’s a beautiful mess.  The before is astounding.  Hopes up.  Lights on.  Smiles bright.  Music playing.  Laughter and joy.  Anticipation and longing. It comes and goes. Like a tropical breeze so light you might miss it if you were dozing in the sun. The Advent readings, the Candlelit services, the carols on the radio; the flannel pajamas, hot cocoa and peppermint bark, gifts tucked under a tree; shopping, eating, running, slowing, sitting, pondering. Then it’s here. [ …read full story ]

Walking in the Light

 Posted by on Mon, Dec 15, 2014
Dec 152014
 
Walking in the Light

The little Christmas tree lights shine, making a bright spot in a dark room.  The cheery decor sets an ambiance of joy in the midst of sadness.  You see, Grandma is dying. She’s wrapping up her days here on earth.  Her body is failing her, but her spirit is strong and joyful and secure in the hope of salvation and the peace that passes understanding. You see, Grandma loves Jesus.  She knows Him personally.  When you hear her speak of Him, she talks of an old friend. Grandma is no longer hungry for food.  Her only hunger is for Jesus. [ …read full story ]

Only a little Ice Cream

 Posted by on Tue, Dec 2, 2014
Dec 022014
 
Only a little Ice Cream

My little son had a little cup of Ice Cream.  He had eaten his chicken sandwich and french fries, and didn’t have room in his little tummy for more.  We were driving through Costco for gas.  I thought of the guy who is always at the end of the Costco parking lot; the guy with the sign and the dog.  I figured he’d be there, and we could give him Ben’s frosty before it melted, then get gas. I pulled the suburban up to the curb, and Ben jumped out to give the guy his frosty.  The guy smiled.  We [ …read full story ]

When one part of the Body hurts….Restore it gently

 Posted by on Tue, Oct 28, 2014
Oct 282014
 
When one part of the Body hurts....Restore it gently

I woke up in the early morning hours with my right hand completely numb.  I’m talking, I couldn’t feel my hand, you guys!  It was scary.  I started to pray, “Lord, let the blood go back into my hand and my fingers.”  I began to consider all of the reasons that I need my right hand.  I need it to write.  I need it to cook, clean, drive, and touch the faces of my loved ones.  And I need to use it to touch people who need to be touched.  I need it to reach out, laying on hands in [ …read full story ]

How should we respond if one of our church leaders falls into sin?

 Posted by on Tue, Oct 14, 2014
Oct 142014
 
How should we respond if one of our church leaders falls into sin?

Many are asking, “How should we respond when a church leader falls into sin?” The body of Christ at our church has had a tough week.  We have had to endure the painful fallout of a Pastor that gave in to sin.  Unfortunately, we have had to live through the pain caused by a respected one letting us down.  There is a reason that the Bible says that our leaders are held to the highest standard.  James 3:1 states  “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged [ …read full story ]

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