Life’s Challenges
Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” We have a Savior who knows our struggles and knows our pain, and he will give us the strength to persevere and trust his will for us.
Two gifts to give
It’s almost time to make your Christmas lists (if you’re the kind of person who thinks ahead like that). As you put all the…
Compensation or restoration
“If you find a perfect church, don’t join it. You’d spoil it.”—Billy Graham It’s only a matter of time until the people around you…
Too crowded to grow
This past year was our first experiment in raised-bed gardening. We tore out a good portion of our front lawn (yes, our front lawn!)…
What to do with doubt
Recently, I met two women who were struggling with doubt. The first was raised in another religion but had fallen in love with a…
Beach glass brokenness
One of my favorite hobbies is hiking along the shores of Lake Michigan looking for beach glass. We have a few good beaches in…
Chosen
Have you ever not been chosen? It may have first occurred in a grade school gym class when two appointed dodgeball captains called out…
There is joy in aging
When I was a kid, I remember paging through a catalog and seeing a product aimed at aging women. They were reading glasses—but with…
Rest … without worry
“Ugh, look at my dining room! I need to make time to paint those dingy walls.” “You know, the bathrooms in this house are…
Just for you
The Christmas gift-hunting season is on for those who do some early shopping. For some this is a thrill; for others it’s a nerve-racking…
Smashing stuff in church
I recently had one of my most memorable church moments. I built a tall tower out of Legos, so strong and sturdy that the…
Puppy training
We recently got a new dog … a Chihuahua pup that is only three pounds. I’ve forgotten what it’s like to care for such…
If he died for you, he wouldn’t lie to you
“Pastor, do you ever doubt?” I was sitting across the table from a young mother who had serious doubts about the Christian faith. I…