Fear Bravely as You Are Strengthened with the Courage to Love

Formed by our fears

Fear is a powerful motivator.  Even the reluctant student might memorize lists of data for fear of failing a class.  Motorists maintain a more conservative driving speed in areas where police regularly patrol.  Unfortunately, there is also the fear that paralyzes, which leads to irrational decisions and self-protective behaviors.  Fear of God, however,  is the supremely rational fear,… Continue reading Fear Bravely as You Are Strengthened with the Courage to Love

Did I Hear You Say You Want to Go Deep with Your Summer Reading?

Go Deep With Your Summer Reading

Summer time is famous for its beach reads, for light fiction with a happy ending or lots of breezy self-help selections. If that's you, then I'm not judging. Happy summer reading to you! Sometimes, though, summer is the perfect opportunity to go deep with your reading, to tackle a challenging author, to make time for… Continue reading Did I Hear You Say You Want to Go Deep with Your Summer Reading?

The Challenge of Faith and Forgiveness in a Christian Family

"If the Lord thinks you need punishing, you can trust him to see to it. He knows where to find you. If he's showing you a little grace in the meantime, he probably won't mind if you enjoy it." Marilynne Robinson

I'm watching a miracle unfold in my family. Four sons, imperfectly parented, are growing into healthy, responsible, and strong young men. Two of them have even gone on to become imperfect parents themselves, and somehow, by grace, we just keep on forgiving one another for offenses, both big and small, with the understanding that family… Continue reading The Challenge of Faith and Forgiveness in a Christian Family

The Membership: Jayber Crow Discussion Group(4)

He shows up every Sunday morning with a big smile and a small canvas bag full of candy. Swarms of children greet his arrival with joy, but it's his warm handshake and sincere delight in their lives that keeps those relationships alive as the kids become teens and then move on to adulthood. She is… Continue reading The Membership: Jayber Crow Discussion Group(4)