Stillness Amongst the Desolation

I live in Kansas, and recently a tornado blew through one of our towns. I have a phobia of tornadoes, and the town is one I visit multiple times a week, and this twister was headed towards the city I live in before it dissipated, so I was kind of a wreck. But that's where … Continue reading Stillness Amongst the Desolation →

Pruning

(This post is based on Luke 13:6-9, John 15:1-17, Galatians 5:22-23, and Deuteronomy 30:15-20.) Jesus compares humans to plants in a number of places in the Gospels. Fig trees, grapevines. He says we are plants in a garden or vineyard that are being tended to. If we produce fruit, great. But if we don't produce … Continue reading Pruning →

The Unspoken Prayer Request

At Bible studies (at least in my experience), there is always a time where people can share prayer requests. I have heard a number of people complaining about when others share an unspoken prayer request. These complaining people are upset that the others wouldn't share the details or even say what aspect of their lives … Continue reading The Unspoken Prayer Request →

“Therapy Doesn’t Work”

I talk to a number of people who are hurting or who blatantly have dysfunctional ways of interacting with the world around them. I will lovingly suggest that they seek therapy because I don't want them suffering from this any longer. A number of them retort with, "Therapy doesn't work." I would like to provide … Continue reading “Therapy Doesn’t Work” →

Suicide Prevention

September 10th was Suicide Prevention Day. I can't remember if I have spoken about this before, but I have struggled for most of my life with suicidal thoughts and actions. I have ever since I can really remember doubted my worth and if I am loved, and I also spent my years in late elementary … Continue reading Suicide Prevention →

Why the Valley is Important

Everyone always talks eagerly and excitedly about the mountaintop experience while speaking of the valley as something bad and terrible. And while I admit that I don't like the darkness and pain of the times when life is nothing but hurt, I want to share some thoughts I had about valleys and mountains. Valleys and … Continue reading Why the Valley is Important →

Today is Black Saturday

Taken from Matthew 26-28; Mark 14:10-16:20; Luke 22-24; John 18-21; like every single sermon, Bible study lesson, and Sunday school lesson I've ever heard about the Easter story. Around 2,000 years ago, Jesus was crucified. Falsely accused by the Jews and handed over to the Romans, he was beaten, mocked, then nailed to a cross … Continue reading Today is Black Saturday →

Some Thoughts on Mark 7:14-23

I've been reading through the Bible book of Mark the past few months, and I recently read chapter 7. I believe that the Bible is God's word, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and if we read the Bible while asking the Holy Spirit to show us what he wants us to see, we will learn … Continue reading Some Thoughts on Mark 7:14-23 →

While We Wait

I have been asking God to work a miracle for almost a year now, and sometimes I honestly want to give up because I can't see him moving. Part of me is tempted to believe that if I just learn the thing he's trying to get me to learn, then God will finally do what … Continue reading While We Wait →

Praying in Jesus’ Name

I have at least one nightmare basically every night. It's been occurring for so long that I don't remember when it started, and I seriously thought it was my new normal. Even though people act concerned or freaked out when I tell them that, I thought it was perfectly normal because I have a generalized … Continue reading Praying in Jesus’ Name →