Whatever the Challenge, Because of God’s Love, You Can Stand the Test

Stand the Test!

Sunday Scripture My grandkids love to play The Ground is Lava whenever we're at a playground. By sheer little-kid strength, they carry themselves over the length and width of the apparatus, climbing and scurrying to stay aloft. Determined to stand the test, they'd rather fall from the monkey bars than come into contact with the… Continue reading Whatever the Challenge, Because of God’s Love, You Can Stand the Test

Have You Almost Given Up on Finding a Love that Lasts?

Have You Almost Given Up on Finding a Love that Lasts?

Sunday Scripture There's something about a wedding that revives hope and renews my optimism about the carrying power of love. My son and his bride recited strong promises about a love that lasts in a ceremony that was both romantic and sacred. Love, respect, and faithful devotion are a solid beginning for a life-long partnership.… Continue reading Have You Almost Given Up on Finding a Love that Lasts?

A Powerful Love Story Based on Strong Promises

A powerful love story based on strong promises

Sunday Scripture About thirty years ago, a handsome young man in a tux stood before me and recited loving words of commitment that began like this: “Michele, joining my life with yours in the covenant of marriage . . .” And so our love story began with strong promises about loving and listening, faithfulness and… Continue reading A Powerful Love Story Based on Strong Promises

What Does Love Look Like?

The holy mandate--handed down to the disciples in word and in deed--was to follow their Leader into a life of love.

This week at my house, love looked like a plate piled high with cheeseburgers. Love resulted in a wheelbarrow loaded down with winter-broken limbs from our back yard. It showed up in new rocker panels for the truck we use in our mowing business--installed by a handy son. Love reached from screen to screen when… Continue reading What Does Love Look Like?

Let It Trouble Your Heart: Jayber Crow Discussion Group (8)

The most recent natural disaster spreads itself across your news feed while coverage has preempted the day's programming on NPR. A grizzled, rheumy-eyed man reeking of alcohol sticks out his hand and cobbles together a story of need. A blog post about the refugee crisis sets you to wondering if there's anything practical your family,… Continue reading Let It Trouble Your Heart: Jayber Crow Discussion Group (8)

Why Read the Lists?

"I'm glad you're the one reading this," said the patient husband. He was referring to the tongue-twisting list of names in I Chronicles 5 with all their adjacent vowels and unexpected consonant blends. I could see his point, but, to be honest, I was enjoying the effort of decoding the names and then saying them,… Continue reading Why Read the Lists?