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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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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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Remembering Brendan (3/24/1990-3/12/2011)
He was a preteen when we met; daring and feisty with a true dislike for being told what to do. As challenging as he may have been in those years I was married to his father, there was an endearing soft side that emerged when others were in need or he was helping with his littlest sister. I can still remember his smile, the way he could do almost anything he set his mind to, and how excited he was to get his driver’s license on his sixteenth birthday. He was generally messy, enjoyed junk food far more than any person should and would argue about the silliest things, yet…
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Be My Valentine…
It was at the beginning of this month that I asked God for a word, and within a few moments “love” came to mind. I thanked God, acknowledging that it seemed very timely in this Valentine season and went on my way. Over the course of the days that followed, I’ve pondered this crazy thing called love and wondered what God wanted me to see beyond all the red and pink hearts and tantalizing chocolates decorating the shopping aisles. It wasn’t until yesterday that I began to understand that God wanted me to consider more fully the unconditional sincerity of his love. He wanted me to see what it means…
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The Villain and the Victim
One morning when Jesus sat teaching in the temple courts, the teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in the act of adultery. The scriptures don’t mention her name, where her partner was or how they discovered her sin. We’re told only this one detail, which according to the law of Moses, had the power to end her life at that moment. The crowd pressed Jesus emphatically for his response in the matter, though rather than fall into their web of deceit, Jesus does some mystery artwork on the floor and tells them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to…
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Be Not Unequally Yoked???
Dating with Purpose (part 2)
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Dating with Purpose (part 2)
In part one we opened the discussion on dating with a tip to allow God to bring resolution and healing before actively seeking a relationship. It may seem straightforward enough, but in our humanity we often want to rush through this crucial step, though it may set the stage for everything else in a relationship. The more emotionally healthy we are when we are out meeting people, the less likely we are to be drawn into unhealthy situations. There is no express formula for overcoming the pain of our past. God provides perfectly, individualized care when we choose to step into a life of obedience, and he’s always patient enough…
