For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with us in our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all these things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help […]
life
To the People Who Embrace My Daughter: Depression, Anxiety, and All
Words barely express the ways your actions have breathed life into my daughter. Movement into unknown territory involves risks. Your willingness to do that does not go unnoticed. As you know, she’s not one of those outgoing social butterfly types. She’s an observer. In addition, her mental illness makes identifying and controlling emotions challenging. She realizes […]
Do You Want to Be Made Well? Identifying With the Man in John 5
” Do you want to be made well?” The question posed to the man in John 5:5-9 appears rhetorical. We do not know if he was born with a disability or his physical limitations are the result of an injury. Regardless, he is accustomed to his place near the pool of Bethesda. He has resided […]
Learning to Breathe in the Face of Blustery Winds
As I step outside, my face stings from the chilled, blowing air pushing its way through my body.My throat is caught off guard; attempting to take in air at a slower pace. Yet, the frigid heavy wind finds my mouth and forces its way in; making resistance difficult. A battle of the colliding forces entangles. […]
How Watching TV with Your Kids Fosters Important Conversations
Once upon a time, (which didn’t seem so long ago), my husband and I snuggled and watched “our” shows together after putting the kids to bed. Truthfully, we watched about a half an hour of shows before we feel asleep too. There was a pretty clear line between the content of the shows that our […]
"If the Church Would be the Church"
My neighbor and I have some lively discussions. It’s refreshing; actually, since our demographics differ greatly. He is an 80 year old widower, father, grandfather, vet; and agnostic I am 50, wife, mom, and Christian. We talk about everything: parenting, economics, the state of the country, gardening and when the Spirit opens a window of […]