“Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer.” 2 Timothy 2:3-4 NIV Three days after graduating from college, our oldest left for the Navy’s boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois.  When we saw him eight…

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NIV Dismay. The word caught my eye as did God’s instructions through Isaiah, “do not be.” “Overwhelm” or “anxiety” may be more familiar…

“Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes.” Acts 9:17-18…

“Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.” 1 Timothy 4:14 NIV It was Test Week at my CrossFit gym and I dreaded it.  For several months we lifted weights with a slow count and higher than normal reps. For example, one…

Master craftsmen have signed, stamped, and stitched their marks on their work for years, ensuring their value. Michelangelo’s signature traverses Mary’s sash of his Pieta. Leonardo da Vinci used intertwining knots as his signature (Check Mona Lisa’s bodice.).  And God? He placed His imprint on you, His masterpiece.  The mark of a master determines the value of a…

In the 2010 Zheng-Kai Marathon, elite runner Jaqueline Kiplimo spotted a disabled Chinese runner having trouble opening a water bottle. The runner had no hands and was dehydrated. Kiplimo not only helped him with the water bottle, she also slowed her pace and ran with him from about Mile 6 to Mile 23, aiding him…

Discernment. Do you have it? How about your kids?  Culture presents the idea that truth is relative: You have yours. I have mine. Compromise is okay if you have a good reason. How do we help our kids navigate these minefields of truth and lies? We train them in discernment. When Harry Potter came out, I chose…

Rootbound plants are wrapped in their own roots. Like an ingrown toenail, growth has gone inward instead of outward.  And inward is no place to grow.  Roots should spread. Deep and wide. Spiritual roots can bind too.  Squeeze. Tighter than duct tape, they can hold us hostage. I felt stuck. For years. Scripture speaks of several…

Though she sat on the front row, you would have missed her. Passed right by without a second thought. No designer labels. Quiet. Invisible. A plastic bead among the polished gems of the well-to-do Sunday School class.  Until my lesson started.  I threw out questions to the feisty group of seniors I had the privilege…

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” Matthew 2:10 NIV I love Matthew’s account of the Magi (please note they were not at the stable), but I’ve always found joy rather elusive.  It plays hide and seek with me. Ever feel that way? Could it be that joy was right there and I hadn’t…