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The Funny Thing About Thanksgiving
I remember a few years back Oprah used to encourage followers to list things they were grateful for on a daily basis, like keeping a journal of gratitude. Obviously this is not a bad thing, but I just wonder if this is really effective. Is our idea of living in gratitude simply about stating the things we appreciate on a daily basis, or keeping these little blessings in a book? And what ends up on the list…is it only the Facebook worthy happenings, the best that we want everyone to see, maybe that great Black Friday find, or is it something deeper like that quiet stillness we might treasure before…
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Be Not Unequally Yoked???
The topic may seem redundant; I mean honestly I think most can probably pick up the concept of unequal yoking without even stepping inside a church, at least the basic jest of it, but do we really get it? And do we really understand how to follow through on what the words mean even if we do understand them? What does equal yoking look like in real life application? Considering I had an entirely different blog in mind until God brought this topic up, as I mowed my grass, in the gruelling ninety degree heat, I must believe many of us either don’t fully comprehend this or may need a…
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A Clash of Wills
Today was a day of battling wills, which most people will understand wasn’t pleasant even though the idea of clashing wills may seem a bit abstract and unclear. In philosophical terms the human will is described as a faculty of the mind, including reason and understanding, which is rather humorous; if the will is a part of reason and understanding, then why does it tend to be so headstrong and unreasonable? Looking to the book of Genesis, this wilful tendency becomes apparent very quickly. God had an incredible plan to create a world where humans could live in eternal communion with him, enjoying his presence and all of his creation,…
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In Pursuit of Love…
Before submitting to God’s plan, I lived with one foot in the world and one in the kingdom. I was literally straddling two opposing forces, deceived enough to believe I was capable of conquering a beast that had hounded me for decades. Dating had become a game, a hunt, and after each failed relationship I would study and restrategize my next move. I desperately wanted the relationship the world said was mine, but their methods repeatedly failed me, until I was discouraged and essentially being devoured by my own foolishness. I had invested myself in a chase God hadn’t intended and sold myself to a dream that never came to…
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When God Takes You Places You’ve Never Been
Recently I was at work, doing my work thing, with the radio playing out at the nurses’ station. It’s a common thing and normally I don’t pay much attention. So much of today’s music puts me in a mental place that isn’t helpful for maintaining obedience to my maker, so I intentionally tune it out. On this particular day, a classic love song began to play and as Alison Krauss started to sing I found myself suddenly intrigued by the lyrics. It’s amazing how you can speak right to my heartWithout saying a word, you can light up the darkTry as I may I could never explainWhat I hear when…
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Mother’s Day 2022
It’s been a crazy, busy weekend, yet a blessed and incredible affirmation of the value of all that I have invested over the years, and even still today. I’ve never been an easy mother, but I’ve loved and devoted myself to each human God has placed in my care, whether born from my womb or otherwise. There are few investments into humanity that can change the world more than our wholehearted and sacrificial investment into rearing children that will grow into adults that care about other humans, who know the value of hard work and are willing to sacrifice for the betterment of others. It’s quite an adventure at times,…
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The Storm
Many are familiar with the story in the Bible where Jesus and His disciples pile into a boat at the end of a long day, to cross the sea (Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25). Soon after setting out, a storm suddenly arises and water begins to flood the boat. While the disciples succumb to panic, fearing for their lives, Jesus does the remarkable. He peacefully sleeps on a cushion in the stern of the boat. It’s important to note, this is no fine sailing yacht, no fancy cruise liner, or even a bulky Mayflower built to endure a little adverse weather. This is a small boat, with a few…
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What is Easter Anyhow?
On Good Friday every year, the church I attend hosts a six and a half mile hike from the far side of the city into the neighboring town where the church is located. They call it the “Christ Walk”, and it’s done in remembrance of the walk Jesus made to his crucifixion on Golgotha. In addition to what is already an Appalachian challenge, they carry with them a large, wooden cross realistically depicting the wearisome walk Jesus made to His death. Some of you may have witnessed this a time or two. It’s really quite remarkable, although I will suggest that the majority of people who see this reenactment don’t…
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The Old is Made New
Many of you may have heard the saying, broken crayons still color, referring to broken people still having value and purpose according to God. I’m not sure who originally penned the words, but it’s a concept many people can identify with, far more than the enemy wants us to believe. We all struggle in this life, some a little more than others, but when we come to God, humbled and at the end of ourselves, we begin a journey of healing and restoration that will prepare us not only for the purpose he calls us to in this life, but for the work we will do in the next. There…
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The Way of Progressive Parenting
I’ve been mulling this piece over in my mind for months, but couldn’t quite get to the root of what was troubling me. It’s not that I’m so closed-minded to new ideas that I can’t accept anything beyond what I’ve always known. To the contrary, it has been through this openness that God has rid me of many selfish behaviors and reformed my mind to his truth. It is also through his provision that I finally gained clarity into what has been disturbing me in the newer philosophies on parenting, which are probably not so much newer, just more pervasive. We live in a culture where many believe the old…
