My family has a dog. Kind of an over-grown, but oh-so-skinny mutt. We selected her at a shelter four days after our other dog was killed. Mason was the wonder dog with one weakness — bunnies. Jessie is a patient dog with one weakness — freedom. We don’t have a fence — though we keep saying we’re going to add …
Are You a Roaring Lamb?
I’m borrowing the name from Bob Briner’s book Roaring Lambs. I love the image it creates. A lamb that’s willing to take on the world and be vocal about what it believes. Lions aren’t exactly quiet when the roar you know. In the book he talks about the fact that Christians have created a subculture rather than taking the light …
Do We Shortchange Christian Youth?
I know…the title isn’t typical of what I’ve posted lately. But it’s something I’ve thought about the last couple weeks. In In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day Mark Batterson mentions almost as a sidenote: Lion chasers refuse to live their lives in a defensive posture. They are actively looking for ways to make a difference.” (p. …
A Season of Thankfulness
While we should live our lives with an eye on thanking God every day for the things He gives, there’s something about this time of year that seems to prompt more introspection. Yes, the day on the calendar helps, but I hope I am developing throughout the year a heart that sees His hand in operation. And one that is …
You know how sometimes God whispers in our hearts and we ignore it? I’ve been doing that. And not with something difficult or complicated. So, since the ACFW conference God has whispered that I need to read I John. I don’t know why I’ve put it off…it’s not like He told me to read Numbers or Leviticus! But last week …
God as a Consuming Fire
One of the names that the Bible gives God is that of a consuming fire. See Hebrews 12:29. The last few days this image has played through my mind. What does it really mean to be a consuming fire? I think of a forest fire that rages out of control. One that the wind whips into a fury and then …
Waiting and Anticipating
Ever have those seasons in life when you know you’re in a season of waiting? That God has placed you there for whatever reason? I’ve got a couple of those going… In the next four to six weeks (I’m voting for four!), our little boy will join us. Since this is the last time I’ll be pregnant, I’m trying to …
Movies that Resonate
On Sunday, we started a new Sunday School class, John Bevere’s Extraordinary. Eric and I have done several other studies from him and found them to be challenging and thought-provoking. This week he was introducing the concept of living extraordinary lives and used movies as an illustration. Something like 70% of the blockbusters of all time have heroic, extraordinary people …
Homeschooling and Community Colleges
This may sound off the wall…I don’t usually write about homeschooling. But I’m also very proud to have been homeschooled and now homeschool my kids. As a result, I’ve got a heart for those who are homeschooling. Having both perspectives gives me a unique view. The other day I got an email newsletter from a homeschool mom who has developed …
Wanderings
In Sunday School yesterday we talked about the need to plug in and stay plugged in at the place you are getting connected to the Spirit. It’s got me thinking. Sometimes I think we get antsy in one place, because God wants us to move on. We get so comfortable that we are reluctant to move when God says it’s …