Along the Western Front in Belgium, it was a dark and bitterly cold night — Christmas Eve, 1914. Soldiers had already seen far too much blood. They were deeply traumatized, aching for their families. The distance between what they believed the war would be and what it had become felt like a gaping chasm. Then, …
Have you ever made a paper boat? They hold so much promise for about five seconds — until reality (and water) hit. I’ve made choices in life that felt the same way: beautifully folded plans that didn’t seem waterproof once the storms came. When we moved to Ukraine to help start a church, I had …
This has been a tough year. I lost a job in January, and then a second in May, and a third in July. I have filled out more applications than I care to recall, attended interviews, and put in hours making cold calls—all while the debt kept climbing, towering over me like a tsunami about …
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the Earth! Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.”— Psalm 100:1–2 When I was in high school, I took this command to heart. I thought I had a gift for music. In reality, what sounded beautiful to me probably sounded to others more …
We all do it when discussing a certain cold, milky, sweet substance. We might start with a description, when they learn that, then we spell it, but kids learn to spell pretty quickly. We had exhausted all the terminology that could be used for these sweet, milky substances and started referring to them in other …
The Wheat and the Weeds: Trusting the Master Gardener Many of us are attending camps and youth rallies this summer. A few years ago, I went to a camp where each team was asked to create their own “country.” They came up with flags, languages, cultures—you name it. The entire week was devoted to developing …
There was a little house and then the white house. At the little house was a small three room, really a two room house. With an enclosed lean-to on the side that grandma used for a kitchen. I’m not sure if it had a door or a window. I know we cam in the “living …
I try to grow things, but apparently plants need water, sun, and the will to grow under my care. However, mine chose the sweet release of compost instead. Jesus used parables every day to illustrate biblical truths. I have never ceased to be amazed at his ability to tell a simple story that transcends time …
Today, I stood in the driveway and watched my daughter drive off—off to begin her own journey in this wide, uncertain world. My heart was full of pride, but as soon as she turned the corner, the tears came. I don’t softly cry, the tears don’t silently fall. I stood and sobbed, not out of …
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Have you ever been robbed and left for dead on the side of the road? You might be surprised to know—I never have either. Growing up in Sunday School and hearing the parables of Jesus, I remember thinking people were robbed and left for dead all the time. I believed it was only a matter …