Ministry Challenges: When Church Members Leave
Being in ministry has offered my family more opportunities for blessings, friendships, and godly service to others than I could have ever imagined. On the other hand, our family has experienced some of our most remarkable lows and deepest hurts…
Grief Is A Process And That’s OK
My mom’s birthday was yesterday. She would have been sixty-one years old. Sadly, less than a month after she turned fifty-seven, she died due to cirrhosis of the liver. Our relationship was strained…to put it in the most positive light…
Mormons And Christians Are Not The Same
Mormons and Christians have an uncertain relationship. Members of the Mormon faith identify themselves as Christians while many Christians flat out reject that claim. Meanwhile, a great deal of believers support the idea of Mormons and Christians being like-minded brothers…
Christians And Santa Claus: Do They Mesh?
If you want to really stand out in December, then I suggest you tell people that you don’t “do Santa” at Christmas. That will definitely get you noticed, but you might be surprised at the reactions you receive. The Big…
Don’t Take Blessings For Granted
By the time I had a fourth baby, I felt like an experienced pro. I had three little children who were five and under at the time. Life was a little loud and hectic, but I was handling it in…
How To Handle Large Family Holidays
As each one of my children arrived, more questions and “helpful” suggestions concerning finances came my way. “You can save money by eating off the McDonald’s dollar menu once a week.” “Stop having kids now.” “How will you pay for…
Be Thankful, Even When You’re Not
Thanksgiving is such a great holiday, isn’t it? It’s so low key that it doesn’t even mind Christmas has crept into its space… No one expects gifts or over the top expressions of love for Thanksgiving. We get to slow…
Lutheranism Is Biblical, Right?
Growing up Catholic I thought Lutherans were just less intense Catholics. Maybe they were less committed to their faith. Woo, boy! That was completely wrong, and Lutherans will make sure you know it. In fact, despite the many comparisons between…
How To Identify A Bad Ladies’ Bible Teacher
Women, just like men, need to study the Bible, but our ministries and studies directed toward women often make me feel like women are sitting at the spiritual children’s table. Christian women tend to follow teachers who fall woefully short.…
Sinful Pasts, Evangelism, And Hypocritical Christians
One of the hardest parts of being a Christian is telling other people about Jesus. We don’t want to be judged by others or come across as “crazy.” Not to mention, we fear that someone may ask us a question…