We had been married for about eight years and finally settled into that comfortable rhythm that only experienced couples can manage. It was Easter Sunday. After church, we had lunch at his parent’s house before heading home for family nap time. The warm April sun was flowing through the double glass of the back porch doors. Our six-month-old daughter snoozed quietly in her bassinet as I curled up heavy-eyed next to my already sleeping husband. I remember the feelings that swirled around on that pleasantly average afternoon. Optimism, hope, and peace were what characterized the first half of the worst day of my life. Little did I know that seven hours later I would become the widow of a suicidal husband and an unprepared single mother.

When I was at Letourneau University, I was asked to host the yearly comedy show on campus. It was attended by a thousand or more college students who were eager to laugh. I had to do a handful of comedy sketches, which was both exhilarating and frightening.

In August of 2019, we hosted a team of missionaries here in Kenya led by our friend Randy Jones. It was during the school holidays, which meant our three children were at home along with some of their cousins. In the evening, we would have devotions and there could easily be ten to fifteen of us at any given time.

Part 4 of 13Kids Curriculum Set #1

Rebekah did something unique among all other women in Genesis. After 20 years of infertility, God had answered her husband Isaac’s prayer and granted them conception. But that joyful outcome caused stress a few months later. Due to an uncomfortable pregnancy, Rebekah “went to inquire of the Lord.” She seems to be the only woman in Genesis who asked God a question, expecting an answer. Notice her desperation:

There has been a lot of ink spilled and feuds formed due to worship styles. I have heard of churches imploding because of instrument choices and genre preferences. Here in the States, we can have a church worship alongside a band playing guitars, while down the street, another church may worship with a piano and […]

A college student sent the following terse text to his mother: “Mom, have failed everything. Prepare Dad.” The next day the student received this reply: “Dad prepared; prepare yourself!” As important as it was for that student to be prepared to meet his father, it is far more important for believers in Jesus to be prepared to meet their Lord. The New Testament often exhorts us to prepare ourselves for the return of Christ, and Jesus told more than one parable to drive home that important concept.

Part 7 of 7Test Your TestimonyA few years ago I heard a different style of testimony. The man began by saying he had been part of a “Christian” cult which taught that once you were saved, if you sinned even one time, you lost your salvation and you could never get it back. This cult […]

Now that my husband and I have been married for a few years, he has figured out that I don’t just want a box of chocolates and a dozen roses for Valentine’s Day. While I appreciate both chocolate and flowers, what I desire is a handwritten note with a personal message just for me. That’s […]

Part 6 of 7Test Your Testimony "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand." John 10:29 NKJV Webster dictionary defines a testimony as: A solemn declaration usually made orally by a witness under oath in response to interrogation […]

The weather, the pandemic, and everything else has made me incredibly tired. What about you? Let's see what God's word has to say about growing tired.

I received an unexpected sweet treat from an admirer last Valentine's Day. A delightful half dozen previously enjoyed donut holes upchucked all over my lap by my adoring almost 2-year-old son. Not an ideal way to start a day meant to be full of romance and affection. Although, I suppose you could say this is ultimately where romance and affection leads.

It's beautiful to see the growing diversity of the church in America, though no matter how diverse we become in the States, it doesn't hold a candle to the incredibly diverse populations of the Colossian church.

Ellie, the little magical sprog, and her brother Eloy had been walking up the mountain for more than an hour. Wobblewog was following behind, mumbling all kinds of things they didn't understand.

I was sitting in my car watching, horrified, as my best friend cried beside me. I’ve known her for years. We have been through weddings, births, deaths, and more together, but I had never seen her so upset. Her face was bright red, while huge tears spilled into her lap. “I just don’t know if she’s really saved.” she gasped between tears.

Building a biblical marriage can be difficult, but the following are five tips to help get you started from a married-a-long-time, has-a-bunch-of-kids, still-in-love, wife.

The faith’s most important question, “What do I have to do to be saved?” Should have a simple answer, though no one in the piney woods seemed to agree what that simple answer should be. Despite growing up in the buckle of the Bible belt, confusion about the Christian faith plagued every step of Lucas’ journey.

In the corner of the Bible Belt, where I grew up, there were rules, rules, and more rules. Christians weren't supposed to listen to secular music. We weren't supposed to drink, dip, or smoke. No baggy pants, face piercings, or spiky blue hair was allowed. We were to steer clear of certain substances that would alter our mood.

Have you ever seen a Jenny Craig commercial? With the before and after pictures? Debbie from Delaware is standing in less than flattering biker shorts and a tank top, depressed, with sad music playing in the background. Then…BOOM! She steps into the next frame and is magically transformed. She’s in a sassy cocktail dress, 30 pounds lighter, with better makeup and upbeat music. Debbie ain’t a downer no more!

Eloy and Ellie's Baffle dragons did not want them to go on their trip. They growled and, woofed, and spat fire. None the less, the brave brother and sister set out on their journey Saturday morning because they didn't have school. Ellie held the map as Eloy led the way. They were making their trip to The Wise Wizard, Waddly Wobblewog, who lived near Hogdog bog in a soggy log. After walking for a few hours, Ellie spoke up.

In an article written by Aviel Schneider, and recently appearing in Israel Today (Islamic Cleric: "The Quran proves that Eretz Israel belongs to the Jews" | Israel Today), a leading member of Pakistan’s National Assembly Maulana Muhammad Khan Sherani told the camera. “The house of God was built for the children of Israel and not for the Palestinians.”

In the well-known plot theme of man vs. self, Phil has to battle his own arrogance and selfish ways to win the girl's heart. As he lives each day over and over, he notices his patterns, the ways he messes up, and the wrong words he chooses that turn her away. He also has the privilege of seeing what draws her in: learning to play the piano, helping others, being kind, noticing the things that she enjoys. Although he tires of being stuck in this day, he finally realizes that he has endless chances to perfect how he loves her because he knows that no matter what he does, he will see the same thing tomorrow (which is today again!)

When I was in junior high, freedom came in chrome. To be free was to have a bike. Not just any bike would do, though. That's because most of the time I spent with my brothers was in the woods near our house. You had to have a bike that could go off-road and handle all sorts of terrain.

Is there danger in using the Apostle Paul's testimony as a pattern for our own?