Is it possible to be redeemed even after being found guilty for a crime or serving time in prison? That moment on the cross where Jesus forgave the man next to Him tells me that yes, it’s possible. In a new series, The Restoration Series, stories similar to the thief on the cross are shared. … Read more
My Sunday School class made it our mission to walk through the Bible to understand it in a way that we had never understood it. Yes, most of us have spent our entire lives inside a church and in regular Sunday morning classes. We’ve learned the “basic” stories of Noah and Jonah and Job and … Read more
Did you have a chance to see The Star in theaters when it came out last year? I didn’t, so I’m extremely excited to see it when it releases on DVD. My kids love good, engaging cartoon movies. I love when the cartoon movies are wholesome and allow us to have further conversations. In addition … Read more
Music is often what guides me. Day to day, a song will pop into my head, and I’ll sing it either to myself or aloud to my family. Many times, the songs that enter my mind don’t make much sense. I’ll try to think back to the day’s events to determine where and when the … Read more
When I’m driving, especially alone, I find myself thinking and reflecting. Often these reflections take the shape of a prayer or conversation. Because I’m rarely in silence without also working, time in the car has begun to really be a special opportunity for me (one I truly discovered after having baby number 4). Singing is … Read more
In the last few months, I’ve really begun to enjoy praise and worship music. I’ve long been interested in Christian music. That started when I was in middle school and had a kickin’ youth group and youth leader who loved music. He introduced us to non-traditional worship groups that pushed the boundaries of “typical” Christian … Read more
My Flash (3) loves to hug. He’s my cuddler, and he’s notorious for caressing my face, laying his head on my shoulder and saying, “I love you, Mommy.” When I had the chance to read and review I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug!, I just knew Flash would be the kid who would … Read more
Have you ever had an experience when — days or weeks or months later — you realize that it wasn’t a coincidence that certain things happened? That maybe the moment you had or the person you met was part of a much bigger plan? in When Jesus was a Green-Eyed Brunette, Max Davis describes many … Read more
The magic of Christmas. It’s made of so many things: cold weather, fires in the fireplace, Christmas parties, carols and hymns, lighted houses, Christmas trees, the expectation of Santa’s visit. All of these fun pieces of the holiday often override the most important purpose: the birth of Jesus and the arrival of a savior. The … Read more
Four kids. Jobs. Coaching. Girl Scouts. Church. Life in general. When Math Man and I finally find time to be together, it’s relatively hurried and buried under the to-dos and chores. Deep conversations and reflections on our relationship and marriage have taken a back burner to the demands of our children and other commitments. But … Read more