In a few weeks, my husband and I will be official empty nesters. Our 21-year-old daughter, Charity is our youngest and the last of our three kids to fly the coupe. The past several years has been a series of transitions as each kid grew from being under our control— to under our influence. The … Continue reading Ten Ways to Prepare Your Teen for the Real World
The Crack in the Sidewalk
It was the perfect Autumn morning for a jog. The air was crisp but not cool enough for a jacket. As my sneaker-clad feet fell into a rhythm hitting the pavement below, my attention was drawn to an enormous crack in the sidewalk. I was praying as I often do while jogging when the Lord … Continue reading The Crack in the Sidewalk
I CAN’T GET NO SATISFACTION (but I’m entitled to)
Entitlement. The word is splashed across social media, the news, talk shows, and books. An entitlement mentality says, “You owe me.” It demands that you do something for me. Treat me special or unique—just because. And yet I have no particular responsibility in return. Tragically, this entitlement mentality has spread even into the church. According … Continue reading I CAN’T GET NO SATISFACTION (but I’m entitled to)
Lessons Jesus Taught Me through a Stray Cat
God will often use everyday situations to teach me—today’s is a stray cat. First, the Story Through an open window from my home office, the pleasant autumn breeze carried with it a faint cry in the distance. I stood from my desk and the cries grew louder—sounding like mews of a frightened kitten. I … Continue reading Lessons Jesus Taught Me through a Stray Cat
Why Asking Jesus in Your Heart Isn’t Enough to Save You
At twelve-years-old, I distinctly remember a friend of a friend named Sally telling me that if I didn’t ask Jesus in my heart that I would go to hell when I died. This shocking and frightening statement haunted me for days since although not regular church attenders, my parents taught me that people go to … Continue reading Why Asking Jesus in Your Heart Isn’t Enough to Save You
What to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say
A friend's husband unexpectedly moves out. Your sister is passed up for the promotion she just knew she'd get. Someone you care about loses someone close to them. A co-worker is diagnosed with cancer. Life is replete with circumstances and situations—some more challenging than others. With the past week of natural disasters, many of us … Continue reading What to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say
