James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” — Mark 10:35 The disciples were on their way to Jerusalem. Struggling to understand all Jesus was telling them about what awaited Him, James and John made one of the Bible’s boldest…
When You Feel Like Giving Up
I felt like giving up when I heard the news of my husband’s cancer diagnosis almost three years ago. How would we go on? I didn’t want to walk through this. It was too much. And suffering never comes at the right time, does it? It’s true that hearing the “C” word is like being…
How to Teach Gratitude to Our Children
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 We were sitting with a couple, who are dear friends, around a table, nestled in the back corner of a restaurant. Behind us was a wall of windows, giving us the perfect…
One Choice Every Couple Should Make in Their Suffering
What is one choice every couple should make in the midst of their storm? It might sound like a simple question, but it is incredibly important. One of the most important choices we can make as a couple is to move toward community instead of away from it. The challenge for most of us is…
Reordering Our Thoughts
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. — Joshua 1:8 What consumes your thoughts most days? When given the chance, where does your mind wander? Are you frequently…
He Bends Down: He Is Listening
Turn Your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. — Psalm 31:2 As I sat waiting for a friend to join me at a local coffee shop, I overheard part of a conversation from a woman who was visibly frustrated. She was a…
Nourishing Words
The lips of the righteous nourish many. — Proverbs 10:21 There was once a monk who, like many followers of Jesus at the time, was looking for a deeper walk with God. This monk, Abbot Agatho, fled to the desert. The story goes that Abbot Agatho, aware of his temptation to sin with his words,…
Love Is Stronger
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. — Matthew 5:44 Do you know someone who is hard to love? Maybe it’s someone who has a different personality or a friend who did something or said something that was hurtful to you. How do you treat this person? Sometimes…
Why Are You So Angry?
The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast?” — Genesis 4:6 The first sin recorded for us in the Bible outside of the garden of Eden is the sin of Cain killing his brother, Abel. We’re told that Abel kept the f locks and Cain worked the soil (Genesis…
Making Bedtime a Treasured & Meaningful Time with Your Children
I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. I had just announced to our four kids it was time for bed. One child, responded that he was hungry. Another with an emotional meltdown. Our oldest son forgot he needed a test signed, which led to a rather lengthy discussion of other assignments due later…