“Above everything else, guard your heart, because from it flow the springs of life.” King Solomon left us a buried treasure in the book of Proverbs: thirty-one chapters of wealth and wisdom straight from God’s heart. But to me there is one gold-nugget verse that stands out above the other gems. Proverbs 4:23 begins with these three attention-gripping words: “ABOVE … Read More
Moving Day
This article has only just started and already it has a problem. It’s the title. If you’ve ever lived in a place and then packed up to move to another, then you know this article should at the very least be called “Moving Month.” For days, even weeks on end, you’re forced to live waist deep in boxes and bubble … Read More
Every Soul Needs A Shepherd
Can you imagine what it would have felt like to be those shepherds on that starry night in the fields of Bethlehem: all of the sudden God’s glory lights up the sky, and His angel army, so ecstatic for us, can’t hold in the news of Jesus any longer. With all their might, they cry out, “Glory to God in … Read More
Be Of Good Cheer
Family vacation this year was one for the record books. One stop on our journey had us checked into a hotel that had a water playground on property that we thought the kids would enjoy. We were right. Justus was instantly hooked. It turned out to be a bit of a challenge to figure out ways to get him to … Read More
It’s All A Big Show
In March of 2007, I met and fell in love with a girl named Sarah Hart. Very soon after that, when I couldn’t hold it inside a second longer, I told her that I loved her and I wanted to marry her. Because we lived two states apart the entire time we dated and all the way through our engagement, … Read More
What You See Is What You Get
Many of us have become accustomed sitting in services, hearing sermons that revolve around steps—the how tos and the 1,2,3s. We want those we admire to give us the secrets to their successes and the quick fixes that will produce change in our lives. Even as ministers, there is a temptation to simply tell people, “Do this, and you’ll get … Read More
Out On A Limb
Some people are natural-born risk takers. They thrive on the adrenaline rush that comes from facing head-on what is yet unknown. To them, there is just something exciting about going all-in when caution and common sense would tell them otherwise. You can probably think of a few times in your life that you have gone out on a limb, as … Read More
A Collision With Kindness
Many people in the world and in the church are confused about God. They are unsure if He is hard and harsh, or warm and welcoming. They wonder if He is angry or caring, not totally convinced that He is good all the time. They may not say it out loud, but for some this question lingers deep in their … Read More
Seated At His Table
“I will sit at the table You’ve prepared for me, Here I am safe from the enemy. I will feast on Your love and Your mercy, For death has lost its hold on me.” “You Restore My Soul” from the album Strength & Beauty Something exciting happened to our family in June. We moved into a new house. Something even … Read More