When I was a kid, they called them testimonies. Often, they were someone who had gone through a significant dip in the road, got full of mud, and Jesus cleaned them up. I grew up in a Christian home. There were no big dips and not a lot of mud because of the Christian culture …
The footprints of Katie’s life began on a cold blustery night because well, I made my debut upon the planet in Oregon and it was always cold and blustery. When I was nine years old those footprints were traced to Taiwan. I believe God works in the hearts of our children despite all we …
I love beginnings. Perhaps the excitement of what’s ahead draws me to beginnings. What lies ahead renews hope, excites my passion, and leads me to believe this “fresh beginning” will be better than where I have been. The Bible has many stories that remind us of fresh beginnings. Abraham left the familiar and headed for …
Politics with it’s peaks and values leaves me feeling motion sickness but can you imagine living in China during the rise of the Communist red wave? I was acquainted recently with a family who had a huge impact on my life, even though I never met them. Almost exactly one hundred years ago, In August …
It’s Christmas Eve, and it’s a quiet morning. For many years, quiet and Christmas didn’t go together. We are in a different season now: it’s quiet, which gives me time to ponder. When the kids were young, there were programs and adventures. We never emphasized getting at Christmas time; we focused more on the giving. …
Warm evenings by the fire, game night with family, and football are all a part of Thanksgiving festivities. For some, however, Thanksgiving may represent torn relationships or the loss of a loved one. Holidays are often the hardest time of year because they represent so much heartache. In everything give thanks, for this is the …
There is something unique about the Psalms. Perhaps because David and the other Psalmists speak out of their inner hearts. The inner heart is where we speak without fear of criticism or embarrassment. It’s what we think: the stuff we struggle with and the words we try to share with God. It’s also where we …
The saying holds true ‘One sows, and another reaps.’ John 4:37 According to ancient economic records the saying was very true. Often field workers worked on the land, while others literally reaped the harvest. In the ministry the saying rings true as well. It is easy to become discouraged in ministry. So many are angry …
Harvest: a seven-letter word I grew up understanding. Harvest meant work, long nights, longer days, breakdowns, the smell of corn drying in the pit dryer, big trucks, and playing in the grain wagons while the combine dumped corn on us. I also knew harvest was much more than three months in the fall. Harvest began …
“SWOP might be considered a constructive program by nonviolent scholars and activists, as it attempts to create more imaginative and just communities, reducing harm, improving health care and works to uphold the civil and human rights of workers and their communities.” (https://swopusa.org/ ) Doesn’t SWOP sound like a nice organization? One that you might even …