Marriage has a lot of different reputations. Some people view it as the ultimate comforting relationship, some view it as a big "ball and chain," and some view it as a constant roller coaster of emotions. I believe God intended it to be a representation of His relationship with us. He clearly lays out marital guidelines in Ephesians 5:22-33 telling men to love their wives as Christ loves the church and telling women to submit to their husbands and to respect them. He didn't tell men to love their wives when they are attractive, adorable, easy to get along with, and when they have dinner ready … [Read more...]

Eric and I were recently watching "MasterChef" (a televised cooking competition series hosted by Chef Gordon Ramsay) and I heard one of the contestants talk about how amazing it was to hear Chef Ramsay say "Well done!" For a moment I thought, "Wow, to cook a dish good enough to have Chef Ramsay say "well done" would be so thrilling (he is an exacting perfectionist when it comes to food)! Immediately, I was convicted. The thought crossed my mind, "You find the prospect of receiving a 'Well done!' from an earthly, fallen creature as thrilling, but you read over 'Well done, my good and faithful … [Read more...]