Was Jesus REALLY born on December 25th?
Christmas is such a wonderful time of the year, don’t you think?? Christmastime is the season we celebrate the birth of that baby boy Jesus!! The message of Jesus the Messiah coming to earth as a human, living a sinless life, dying at the hands of executioners (not for His crimes but for...
It ain’t easy, but it ain’t optional either…
This week, I’ve been reflecting on something that is both incredibly simple and deeply challenging: forgiveness. I’m sure we’ve all heard Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:14-15: For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do...
Donuts, Gifts, and Thankfulness
Growing up I had 10 siblings, so finances were always tight for a household of 13. But every once in awhile, we would stop and get Jolly Pirate Donuts! Not only are JPD the best but they also did a bakers dozen and we needed that 13th donut! With 13 people you avoid going into stores as much as...
Annoyed by all the Terms & Conditions
Are you annoyed by all the “Terms & Conditions” that seem to apply to everything these days? Whether signing up for a new phone line or enrolling your kid in soccer there are pages of these “Terms & Conditions.” It can be mind boggling and quite frustrating. Maybe...
Our Good Shepherd
God is so good to us in every way….Amen!!?? I just love Jesus, don’t you? I’m so thankful for his grace and mercy! I think a lot about his gracious attitude toward us, he has every right to be vindictive and harsh toward you and I…right??!! I’m so glad he’s...
I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me
Have you ever heard the verse “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength”? It’s a pretty popular one. It shows up on bumper stickers, t-shirts, and Facebook posts all the time. This project is killing me…but I can do all things through Christ...
Tongues of Hellfire
Have you ever said something you regretted and thought, what just happened? Why did I say that? We all know the guy (or girl) who constantly lets stuff leak out of his mouth that shouldn’t (whether it’s filth or judgment or discouragement). But why is it so hard to control what comes...
To Live is Christ, and to Die is Gain
There's a famous passage in Philippians that you may have heard before -- "to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (1:21). I've been thinking about this verse recently. Just before it, the Apostle Paul writes that what has happened to him (imprisonment, beatings...
Adios Anonos - Be Back Soon!
Mission trips have a rhythm - you arrive in this new place, you don’t know a soul, you don’t recognize the food, you can’t drink the water, you don’t even speak the language. You start doing various tasks & projects, you meet the locals, you get to know your...
Days 3 & 4 Lots of Kids & Lots of Construction!
Yes, more sunny beautiful days in Los Anonos- our team may be busy & tired but they have a beautiful place to work! Tuesday & Wednesday brought about 40+ kids for Vacation Bible School plus lots of Gringo & Tico (CR) workers! They used a soccer theme to share God’s Word with...