When I was a young believer reading the Bible for the first time cover to cover in a small group, a woman asked the preacher, “Is it because Julie is new that she is on fire?”. Honestly, I forget how he answered. I am here today to encourage you and correct that thinking. Passion for … Continue reading Passion for Christ, Yours and Mine
To be fully seen by somebody, then, and be loved anyhow-this is a human offering that can border on miraculous ~Elbert Hubbard 17 years of marriage and counting. Our beginning was rough at best. As a child of divorce, I witnessed infidelity, domestic violence and boyfriend after boyfriend who left my mom. Trusting the goodness … Continue reading Marriage is a Miracle Part 2: His Healing and Our Anniversary
Marriage is one of His many miracles. Two people. Two hearts. Rescued from the death-grip of sin. Saved by His bountiful grace. Not just chosen by the Father to be His children, but chosen to be together … one flesh. As one stumbles, trips, falls into the valley, the other follows … one flesh. Two … Continue reading Marriage is a Miracle Part 1
The remembrance of Jesus is at all times profitable. It is the very root of true spirituality, love, and devotion ~Charles Spurgeon Vacation is such a gift. Why then do we refuse it? Our youngest found wise cracks to make about the cabin almost as soon as we set foot inside. Both our boy-men … Continue reading Mountain Vacation Part 3: God Restores
The cabin where we stayed is known for its wildlife. There is a wide picture window in the kitchen equipped with a counter and four chairs. We ate every meal right there in hopes God would bless us with more of His creation. Before we left, I prayed for God to reveal an owl to … Continue reading Mountain Vacation Part 2: Quiet Strength
First of all, thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you who prayed for our time away. During the previous three weeks, the mounting pressure at Jason’s job began squeezing the life out of us. As God will press us into new wine, I felt the devil wrapping around our necks, … Continue reading Mountain Vacation Part 1: God Made the Way
I stand silently to listen for the One I love, waiting as long as it takes for the Lord to rescue me, For God alone has become my Savior (Psalm 62:1, Passion translation). Little by little, my soul slips downward, toward the pit. I could list specific events, but suffice it to say it is … Continue reading Being Still Helps Me Fight Depression
We have all been there. We have gripped our knuckles tightly around that thing in our life that is unpredictable. Could be your budget, could be the safety of your loved ones, could be your job, could be the salvation of someone close to you, or it could be the growing family of groundhogs digging … Continue reading When We Think Our Strength is Enough
The world, that which is ruled by the enemy for a limited time only, is operating on extremes. The lines between death and life, just and unjust, between followers of Jesus and those casual about Jesus … the lines are blurred. Evil fires are burning, evil darts are flying, evil is seeking souls. When my … Continue reading Marriage: Supporting Each Other When the World is Chaotic
Paul says, “In your anger, do not sin.” (Ephesians 4:26). You can breathe a huge sigh of relief. God knows we will get angry. God created our hearts to love our children fiercely. Don’t threaten our babies, or Mama Bear is likely to growl. God created us to love our spouses selflessly, as Jesus loves … Continue reading How do we allow anger and not sin?
