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The holidays create all kinds of relational stress. Holiday deadlines, extra bodies in the house, travel. A potential combination for fireworks. But nothing changes relationships like a good crisis. So, here’s some relationship advice based on recent lessons from our crisis mode. We’ve been in crisis mode with my mother-in-law since November. Moves from assisted…

Adding value. My new challenge to myself for spiritual growth. A challenge to move beyond my schedule, my agenda, and my to-do list and intentionally add value through my words or actions. Every day. Adding kindness, thoughtfulness, and if it’s your lucky day, maybe some chocolate chip cookies too. A little love plus effort equals…

What are your favorite promises of God? His provision? His pardon? His presence? Peter reminds us that though the promises of God are many, God has a purpose in each one. “Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and…

What’s your game plan? The parties are over, and the year has officially begun. Will 2015 play out on your terms or on His? How do you find God’s plan this year? “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For…

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6 NIV) As the Black Friday, pre-Christmas, and post-Christmas sales taper, let me ask you. Have you done some comparison shopping? I don’t mean finding the best deal on anything and everything Frozen or on the latest iProduct. I mean comparing yourself to others. This fall…

Lights. Everywhere. From neon signs to Christmas decorations, the holiday season bursts forth in light. And yet, darkness presses. Stress as we try to get everything done. Human frailty in illness and old age. Mental and emotional strain from relationships. From students cramming for exams to moms in full holiday swing, pressure throws its weight…

Impossible. That’s how I’m feeling as I stare down Christmas. Our son’s November wedding (which was awesome) was immediately followed by Granny’s hospital visit, a move for Granny from the retirement centre to a higher level of care, and a second move to a nursing home with a higher level of security, and a second…

“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy . . . But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement, and comfort.” (1 Corinthians 14:1, 3 NIV)  So, this is it. After last week’s intro on spiritual gifts, I promised to share the gift I hoped…

A stack of Christmas catalogs sits on my table. Torn pages. Dog-eared corners. I flip through them searching for “keepers,” as I shop for friends and family. Have you flipped through God’s catalog? He has one—and He gives like no other. Romans, 1 Corinthians, and Ephesians catalog the gifts of the Spirit: Apostleship    …

“Keep Your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.” (Psalm 19:13 NIV) My dog Mizuno has a love-hate relationship with the leash. He loves the leash because it means he’s going somewhere, hopefully for a run and not to the vet. He…