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A Sure Foundation
One by one. Ever so carefully. We stacked the pieces with fingers crossed. The tower stood tall, having occupied me, a teenage helper, and several nursery kiddos for most of our time together. All it took was one wide-eyed, deviously grinning four-year-old. He slipped through our grasp, and, with one swift kick, it all came…
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Are Your Gifts Getting in the Way?
For a time we had the joy of serving a sweet student couple a home-cooked meal once a month or so. It was especially fun when simple things like roasted broccoli lit up their faces because the cafeteria veggies were always soggy and steamed. One day, they asked if they could bring dinner to us…
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When It’s Not Over
“The end,” the story says. To successfully conclude the plot of a story, you must wrap up the loose ends. At the end of a person’s life, there is a service to conclude their time on earth. When you get sick, one of the first questions you ask the doctor is “when will I will…
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The Goodbye We Never Have To Say
“See you later, alligator.” “Speak soon.” “Until next time.” Why do we find all sorts of creative ways to say goodbye, even if we’re only going to be apart for a few hours? “Goodbye” feels weighty, even when it isn’t final. It reminds us of the limits of relationships. There are always separations. We aren’t…
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Conquering By Peace
Can you think of a victory in a game, a sport, or even a war that is owed to more to blunt force than to strategy? The weapons used, the position of troops, and the element of surprise are all vital to winning. Underdog teams win by crafty plans and perseverance, not force. Naturally, victories won…
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3 (Better) Forms of Comparison
Like it or not, life is made up of comparisons. We compare our food choices in order to make an informed decision about what we eat. Our employers compare our work to industry standards to help us succeed. God in His Word compares the things of the flesh with the things of the Spirit to…
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Three Signposts to Help You Stay on the Narrow Way
While rereading Pilgrim’s Progress, it struck me how simple were the instructions given to the main character, Christian. Just stay on the narrow way. Go straight. Yet time and again, Christian strays or is tempted to veer. The arguments for taking another path are often compelling and plausible. The same is true for us. No…
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Are You Acting Like a Wolf?
One of the questions we often ask when reading Scripture is “how does this apply?” We’re usually thinking in terms of what the Word means for our lives or what promises it holds. Sometimes we ask how it might comfort or exhort us. Scripture can also warn us about our own nature. Do you know…
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Can God-Given Dreams Die?
There are moments where the thought that I could die anytime at all strikes me silly. I’m not worried about where I’m going. I believe God’s Word in 2 Timothy 4:18–He will deliver me safely into His Kingdom. My (foolish!) concern? I worry that I might die before I get to finish particular reading, study, and…
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To The “Criers”
If you’re the sort who carries tissues in your purse and says, “sorry, I’m a crier,” in Bible studies and on coffee dates, you probably make me a little uncomfortable. That makes me doubly thankful for you. People like me, whose husbands say “you are?” and squint when we admit we’re crying, need you. We…