Tender Heart & Tough Hide

“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense” (Proverbs 19:11 NIV).

We need to
look at the pain behind the behavior
of people who need extra grace. We learned that hurt people hurt people.
We can’t stop there, though.
We must also refuse to be offended.
 


Easter Hope

This Easter, millions of people will gather in churches all over the world to celebrate the death, burial, and Resurrection of Jesus. Easter is the story of the greatest rescue mission in history. God came to earth in the form of Jesus Christ to rescue all of humanity. Because of the cross and because of his Resurrection, we have the hope of eternal life in Heaven. That’s the Good News.

Read more…



What if we are wrong?

 
If we are completely honest, we would admit to wondering if there really is a God at times.  I know in my faith journey I have had periods of doubt.  I have deeply wondered and contemplated, what if we “Christians” are wrong? First of all pondering this question does not make you a bad christian.  I think it is quite normal to struggle with this question at one point or another.  Let me share with you 4 ways I was able to process these thoughts.


Jesus was a protester

Jesus was a protester!  It’s true.  Jesus confronted the leaders about their wrong practices, evil thoughts, and destructive deeds (Mark 2:1-12; Luke 11)*. Jesus broke the religious expectations and laws of the day, to the point of people wanting him to die (John 5:16; Mark 3:1-6)*. Jesus was viciously challenged, mocked, scrutinized, threatened, slandered, ridiculed, besmirched, and discredited by authorities and leaders (Luke 11: Matt. 9:34; Matt. 13:56-58)*.


New Perspective on the Mundane

 
Today, I’m getting a new perspective. Maybe you need a fresh look at things too? The everyday making breakfast, lunch and dinner, folding laundry, putting it aw
ay, picking up Peppa Pig, watching another round of Paw Patrol, shaping stubborn wills, changing another diaper, listening to hear their heart, which doesn’t happen in the 2 minutes that I deem appropriate… Read more…


Christmas Traditions: A Look Back…

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Christmas decorations are an automatic expectation for most Christian households and public spaces like our churches. It usually includes some basics: manger scene, tree, ornaments, stockings, lights, mistletoe (maybe not at church), and probably some hot drinks spiced up with cinnamon and nutmeg. But was this always the way Christmas was celebrated? What can the past teach us about how and where our own Christmas traditions originated?


Thanksgiving, bad for you?

 
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Thanksgiving is bad for the body, but really good for the soul!  I really don’t need to make the argument of the ill affects of overeating do I?  Is this a message about not eating too much?  No, don’t worry I will be wearing my stretchy pants on Thanksgiving too.  


The Election: What to do?

 
By now, you may be ready to turn off the TV, pull up all the political yard signs and call the post office to stop sending you political fliers. And if you are like me, you are ready to have this election behind us.


“Secret O’ Life”

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I recently got to go see James Taylor in concert.  Yes, it was amazing.  I have long admired his guitar playing and songwriting skills.  Luck would have it he opened up with one of my favorite songs of his, “Secret O’ Life”.  As I get older I find myself often getting mehlencoly.  I think about how my kids have already grown up and how fast time seems to be flying.  This song is a great antidote so I thought I would share the lyrics with you all….


Our Lives are Stories

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If you want to get to know someone, you need to know 

their story. Their life is a story. It, too, has a past and a future. It, too, unfolds in a series of scenes over the course of time. Why is Grandfather so silent? Why does he drink too much? Well, let me tell you. Read more…



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