This world is our laboratory for Christian living. Though our future is assured in heaven, our present is in this context full of hatred, violence, loss, grief, betrayal, backstabbing, lies, idiocy, destruction, and self-centerdness. God intends for us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling here in the muck of human existence. If... Continue Reading →

After my disappointment and frustration expressed in last week’s post, I knew I couldn’t wallow in my sadness and I needed to find a way forward with God’s help. Even though I was mad at God, I still knew that he held the answers that I needed. I echoed Peter’s words, “Where else can we... Continue Reading →

I couldn’t pray much yesterday. I meditated and repeated one of my favorite promises about God but I couldn’t bring myself to ask God for anything.  I did ask Him to let me be a blessing to someone when I went to the grocery store but I found myself more irritated with everyone there than... Continue Reading →

Growing up, one of the things my dad always reminded me was to be coachable. He wanted me to listen to instruction, to not be hard headed or uncooperative, and to be humble enough to make changes even if they are difficult. Lately, I have wondered if I was being coachable in my Christian spiritual... Continue Reading →

The week before Easter, I read this Tish Harrison Warren interview (it may be behind a paywall) with Tim Keller, the well known founder of Redeemer Church in New York City. Keller has spent two years suffering from pancreatic cancer. I found this interview to be a perfect example of what the Grown Up life... Continue Reading →

In last week’s post, I said this, “Our bodies need to be a part of our transformation and we need to make a way for all of these parts of ourselves to respond in ways that are honoring to God and draws us closer to Him and continues to bless others and do what Christ... Continue Reading →

I am haunted by Peter’s denial of Jesus. Jesus has been captured and taken before the High Priest. Peter, silently and without drawing attention to himself, follows Jesus to the house of the High Priest. Peter is fully aware that his association with Jesus puts him at risk of capture and arrest as well but... Continue Reading →

“But speaking the truth in love…” I have heard this scripture used my entire life and in almost every context it is used incorrectly. The way that most people use it is as a rationale for being critical. “I am going to tell you something I don’t like about you or your behavior but don’t... Continue Reading →

At every turning point in our lives we are having to learn how to live. When a crushing loss happens to us we often say that “I had to learn how to live without…” If a prevailing illness or injury happens to us we say, “I had to learn how to live now that I... Continue Reading →

Brene Brown has a tremendous question she recommends asking yourself when faced with challenges - “The story I am telling myself right now is…” I would like to steal that premise and change it to - “The story I am telling myself about God right now is…” You may want to make this a journal... Continue Reading →