Summer. Relaxed schedules. Vacation. Sunshine for the soul. It is tempting to think we shall take each breath in joy during these short few months. Our family of four is gearing up to go to the mountains. A first for our boys, but clearly not their first choice. On my walk yesterday, I talked with … Continue reading 3 Jesus Ways to Manage Summer Stress
For many years, I worshipped the sun. Backyard, beach, bumming a dip in someone’s pool. Golden brown skin was the goal. When you don’t know God, you elevate other things in your life as “holy”. My body was an idol, too. Calorie counting, exercising with specific muscles to improve for their tautness. It was important … Continue reading What His Trees Taught Me About Appearance, Aging, and Love
Looking up at the trees I am in awe of His majesty Reminded of He who weaves a tapestry Of lives Yours, mine A divine intersection With His image His reflection Found in the never-ending Beauty No matter where we look We see the God-Man they deemed a crook For He is grace Evidenced all … Continue reading Seek and You Shall Find: A Poem
Music, a part of us from the start. In the very beginning, Jason communicated to me through music. He introduced me to a world of song that was all new. Before we met, I listened only to the current pop music on the radio while hanging on to some classics like Billy Joel and James … Continue reading Music and Love
It is daunting to be authentic. To remove the mask, the one that tells the world you are more than OK ... you are organized, passionate, loving and successful at all times. To remove the mask is scary. It means admitting you are not perfect. But wait a minute, everyone knows you are not perfect. … Continue reading When You Want to Be Real: Removing the Mask
No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light (Luke 11:33). New Cumberland First Church of God is a mid-sized church with a mighty presence. This stained … Continue reading Musical Light: A Night of Worship
When someone testifies they have been delivered from sin, those still struggling wonder why not me? His Truth: God can do anything. My truth: It was not easy for me to leave alcohol behind. Alcohol was in my life since before I was born. I am not saying my mother drank when I was in … Continue reading How I Stopped Drinking
A family of four different people. Stating the obvious does not mean we remember the obvious when we interact. Jason mapped out another adventure. A family-friendly hike at a wildlife preserve on State Game lands. Let’s just say for Action Jackson and Studious Braedon, hiking is not their first choice activity … ever. Jason and … Continue reading Different People, Same Grace
Alcohol is a mirage in the middle of a desert. It calls you by name, beckons your thirst. You dismiss the thought of Living water to satisfy. Alcohol draws you closer to meeting the need deep inside … the one that has no name but means everything. Years of empty. Alcohol promises to fill. Lonely. … Continue reading Another Summer Sober
Join me to welcome Carlos! I am in awe of how God is using this man. Thank you, Carlos, for being obedient to His calls. We often think of spiritual gifts in the singular: teacher, preacher, children's ministry worker. Our Mighty God is so powerful and gracious. I believe He rarely just assigns one gift … Continue reading Unique Gifts at Work: A Guest Post
