What if we looked at our decisions in life through a new lens? Let’s consider some examples of typical decisions that we might make. How should I spend my time this weekend? Where should I live? What car should I drive? Which job should I pursue? How will giving to the church affect my finances? …
One thing we all enjoy is receiving encouragement. Encouragement is defined as, “The action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.” Think about your favorite teacher, your favorite coach, or your favorite boss. Chances are, they were very good at encouraging you. Great teachers, coaches, and bosses motivate us to believe that we have what it …
Following God is the opposite of the famous line from Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire, “Show me the money.” When God calls us to follow Him, it usually does not come with a “signing bonus” that is seen upfront. The provisions of money, time and a game plan are not usually known at the point …
In life, we all go through seasons. Some are wonderful. Some are very rough. We go through mountain-top experiences and we go through deserts. Which are you in right now? Chances are, your answer is based on your life experiences right now. Me too. Perhaps, you just received a great new job or perhaps you …
Do you remember how we used to pick teams for sports at recess or in the backyard? It always felt good to be picked by someone we respected, someone whose team we wanted to be on. It felt lousy not to be picked. Being chosen by someone implies that they WANT you. The God of …
We all love our kids, but showing that love is not always easy. Parenting that is grounded in our Christianity is also not easy. Here is a question to consider: What are the defining characteristics of how God parents us, as His children? Based on your own experiences in life, I am sure there …
Parenting kids that are 18 and older and still at home can be a real challenge. We have a 20-year-old that spent the last year at home and a 19-year-old that is away at college. Over their lives, we have done the best we can to raise them with a strong basis of following Jesus, along …
One weakness I have always had in my life is wanting to be in the “next place.” I never seem to be satisfied. Can you relate to this; always wanting to be further down the road or in another place? While this may seem to be a strength to keep you moving forward and avoid …
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6 NIV) This is a time of year when many of us take time to thank God for the blessings we have been given in our lives: family, relationships, our “stuff,” and even …
For those of us who are parents, I believe there is one constant among us: we love our kids. In the spirit of that love, and sometimes in a more prideful spirit, we give our kids advice, provide support, discipline them, and protect them. After all, who wants to see their kid hurting, right? But …
