Let’s Get Out the Golden Ruler
We have heard the Golden Rule many times. Jesus was being harassed by people who wanted to be right more than they wanted to do what was right. The Pharisees and Sadducees didn’t even like each other. But they were united in their dislike of this man, Jesus. He was causing people to question their…
A Heartfelt Plea
As I look at the world around us, I see so many things that leave me perplexed and profoundly saddened. I believe in love — love for our neighbors, for our community, for the sanctity of life — but sometimes, I struggle to understand how that love has been twisted into something unrecognizable. How did…
What Side are You On?
The word, consecrate, stands out to me today. Consecrate: to make something or declare something sacred, blessed, sanctified, make holy, dedicated to God, devoted, reserved, anointed, set apart. In Luke 2, we read that Jesus’ parents took Him to the temple to be consecrated to God. We took that seriously as the template for consecrating…
The Sphere of Influence
When our friend heard that we would be going to Nevada to spend time with our cousins and celebrate our BIG 1-year anniversary, he encouraged us to go to Las Vegas’ newest marvel, The Sphere. This architectural wonder, with its state-of-the-art technology and stunning visuals, has quickly become a must-see destination. It captivates audiences, drawing…
His Mercies + My Mercies Makes for a Merciful Day
Wouldn’t it be something if we could say, “My mercies are new every morning”? I wish I could. But if I’m honest, some mornings I’m doing good to roll out of bed, wipe the sleepiness from my eyes and embark on a new day of simply taking in God’s tender mercies. BUT I sincerely want to…
Hedge of Protection
In these tumultuous times (I used that word because of all the back-stabbing rhetoric in our politics — ugh!), it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the chaos swirling around us. The uncertainty of our world’s future, the anxiety over who will lead our nation, and the constant barrage of troubling news can make our minds…
Nothing can Separate Us from God’s Love
Doesn’t that give us reassurance at the end of a day when we feel less than loved by anyone, including ourselves? God’s love for us is unwavering and eternal. Imagine that! No matter what happens, nothing can destroy our relationship with Him. This truth has the power to transform our lives. Romans 8:38-39 assures us,…
Let’s Keep Planting
Seed…..Time…..Harvest – that’s the process. We plant our seeds of faith, our seeds of caring and loving and giving and, sometimes, we think it’s taking way too long between planting the seed and gathering the harvest. Take an apple, for example. Inside this itty-bitty apple seed is a tree filled with apples. AMAZING! One small…
Because I Said So
I remember my mama’s comeback when I would ask “Why do I have to do that?” Her reply? “Because I said so!” No other explanation was needed. She said so! Even when we don’t understand, we submit to obedience. Did you know there are 1,050 commands in the New Testament alone? God often asks us…
Real or an Illusion
Where in the world would you go to celebrate an anniversary? How about Boulder City, Nevada and seeing the Hoover Dam where it’s hot hot hot? But, when you have cousins who live there in a gorgeous home overlooking majestic mountains, the desert and Lake Mead, you welcome the blessing! Covered in sunscreen and being…