“Be prepared.” “Are you prepared?” “You may want to prepare for challenging times ahead.” It seems, now more than ever, we hear warnings to get our houses in order. Those of you who consume a steady diet of news probably hear this sentiment more than anyone; and there is no shortage of our favorite YouTube content creators spreading a similar message. Get ready. My initial response to these warnings is to put my fingers in my ears and sing loudly to drown out those warnings. Preparation sounds like suffering is ahead and who of us wants to think about suffering? So, if you react similarly … [Read more...]
Intentionally Sharing Your Faith Together
Happy day after Easter! How was your Resurrection celebration? Did you spend the day with family, maybe watching little legs run towards brightly colored eggs? Did you meet with your church community and take communion in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice (and in the joy of His imminent return)? Maybe you simply spent the day with your sweetheart enjoying beautiful Spring weather. Last week, someone mentioned how often she eagerly waits for the marked down Easter candy (as I am sure she does for every holiday – and we sugar enthusiasts appreciate it); but, this year, a dear friend helped … [Read more...]
Finding and Creating Balance in Your Life and Relationship
This topic is so personal to me lately; but, a few years back, I was in a completely different place. Though I had plenty to fill my time, I was adept at putting off tasks and feeling completely useless by the end of the day. Ecclesiastes 5:12 says, “Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep” (ESV). Though I certainly was not rich, I did not work enough and felt guilty going to bed without earning the rest. Then, in an answer to prayer, life suddenly changed. God faithfully ushered me out of my languishing, and I … [Read more...]
Is Your Relationship Clean?
Earlier today while sitting in my workspace, I peered over my computer to see a mountain of stuff on the table: some trash from last night’s takeout, some mail which never made it to the incoming mail bin in the bedroom, some dog treats and dog paraphernalia from dog sitting, empty Bubly cans littered about, notecards and post it notes scattered, pens, snacks, dead “thank you” flowers from a neighbor, and other random objects. Did I not just clean this table?! Much of my life takes place in this spot. Many of my jobs are completed, in large part, at this very table. We eat most of our … [Read more...]
Be Honest About Who You Are
Have you ever been so in love with someone you were willing to go anywhere, do anything, and make any sacrifice to keep him or her happy? I have! The feeling of being in love is powerful; and, unbridled, it can lead us to make silly promises. Not only that, but feeling in love can disconnect us from reality (for some more than others). For example, suddenly, the one in love wants to go swimming every Saturday morning with his or her significant other even though he or she has never enjoyed swimming. If you hold back who you really are, you might find yourself stuck in a marriage with … [Read more...]