Monthly Archives: June 2014

“To be involved in a relationship that never involves an argument – authentic or superficial?” Last time we talked about two specific characteristics that one is blessed to find in a relationship. Today I want to talk about one more area of blessing that is given in relationships:  The gift of Godly conflict. I’m aContinue reading “Real Friends Need Only Apply – Part II”

“I won’t ever stop being the real me to be an illusion of a better but fake Christian version of myself. So if I disappoint you, I’m sorry. Please look to Jesus and only Jesus for perfection. You certainly won’t find it in me, and I promise you won’t find it in others either. ButContinue reading “Real Friends Need Only Apply – Part I”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV) Why does it seem that everyone has an opinion about everything now-a-days? Why isContinue reading “What’s My Job?”

“Pay close attention, friend, to what your father tells you; never forget what you learned at your mother’s knee.” Proverbs 1:8 (The Message) Anyone who has ever witnessed a night terror firsthand realizes how intense they can be.  When it’s your four-year-old child, it’s heartbreaking.  Earlier that night, we had cuddled in my bed playing theContinue reading “A Heavy Heart”

“God told them, ‘I’ve never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love!’” Jeremiah 31:3 (The Message)  I was having a conversation with a trusted friend the other day regarding mistakes made in youth.  I think there are a few factors that play into that role: Residual immaturity as brains aren’tContinue reading “No Fillers…Only the Real Thing”

Thinking about Father’s Day and the important men in my life, I realized I am treasured. I am a woman who is loved by her husband.  He provides for our family by working hard outside the home and maintaining the inside with his amazing carpentry and fix-it skills.   He protects us, teaches our children thatContinue reading “I Am Treasured”

“…Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.” Genesis 6:9 (NIV) I admit it.  I’m lazy.  Sometimes I get overscheduled which leads to exhaustion and eventually to the response of, “Whatever you want to do…as long as it’s legal and not dangerous.”  Then I regroupContinue reading “Drifting Back into Focus”

“You could get healed, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to be in shape.”Pastor Matthew Slocum I heard a great sermon a few months ago by our Executive Pastor, Pastor Slocum.  He was talking about how God loves to come into our lives and change the areas that need help. However, when He does, weContinue reading “And Your Job Is…”

“Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.” Philippians 2:4 (The Message) I heard a sermon by our Student Ministries Pastor, Pastor Justin Smelter, regarding selfishness versus selflessness in dating and marriage.  It shed additional insight for meContinue reading “Selfish versus Selfless”

“The word listen contains the same letters as the word silent.” Alfred Brendel  I’m pretty sure I drive people crazy.  My husband, friends, and even my children.  I talk…a lot.  Too much maybe.  I try.  I really do.  I try to let other people talk. I ask questions and wait for an answer but thenContinue reading “The Language of Listening”