I go to church on weekends, a small group on Wednesdays, and to Bridges on Thursdays, and I see a bunch of people I know and love and that like and enjoy each other. To be a part of a healthy community is such a beautiful thing. Then, I foolishly turn on the radio or the TV and learn that I must be in a bubble, because everyone out there hates each other. Of course, I am exaggerating, but that's how it feels. In our small-group study on Wednesdays in Loomis, which you are wel

I must confess that as much as I know about the power of God and His desire for me, there are probably many things that I just live with instead of seeking His power to help me. We all have areas where we suffer, whether it's emotional challenges, our physical health, finances, relationally, or even spiritually. I don't know about you, but I do not want any areas of my life to be stuck. I want to move forward -- always praying, always seeking, always placing my faith in the O

As the new year begins we have new hope. I know that if I begin with this renewed feeling of hope and do not make a new plan, I may not have a new experience. I'll just keep going in the same way I am now. It is in the last few weeks of last year and the first weeks of the new year that I "wrestle with God" to try to understand how I can experience more of God's fullness in my life this year. Here are a few verses I reviewed to help me navigate the process of discerning God's

In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul said, "And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives." (Romans 6:4b, NLT) I very clearly remember the day I prayed, "God, I have everything the world says I need to be happy, but I am miserable. I give you my life." He responded very quickly by having an old friend call me out of the blue to invite me to church. What I received that weekend was a NEW LIFE. I had hesitated

As we approach Christmas, I am often saddened by how little people know about what "Christmas" represents. Even if we acknowledge Christmas as a day we celebrate the birth of Christ, there is so much more to the story. I find a great deal of hope in understanding, even partially, the true significance of who Jesus is and what he ultimately did for us. Join me in doing a short little study in your Bible to prepare for this season. I recommend Colossians 1:15-20. I will use the

Whether you are married or not, friendships can be a challenge, but they are vitally important to a healthy life. The reality is that we are created to be in relationship. That will never change. It seems that these days some people really struggle with true friendship. It may be because people are confused about what an actual "friend" is. Today, the meaning of the word "friend" can either be: a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typicall

Wouldn't it be nice for someone to take responsibility for a mistake or offense? It is very common these days for people to blame someone else for everything they perceive has gone wrong, politicians being the exception of course, right? Whether in a marriage, work, or in church, for that matter, how refreshing would it be for us to hear, "I'm sorry, that was my fault." I was at an intense personal development training about 10 years ago that taught me something I hope I will

When someone wrongs us, what if loving them doesn't cover the offense you experienced? After all, the Bible says, "The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:7-8, NIV) The good news is that love usually does win out. But what if it doesn't? What if no matter how hard you try, you just can't get past it? Most of the time we can fo

"Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgivi

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV) It seems that accepting one another as is has become very challenging these days. Marriages, families, communities, and even nations seem almost focused on their differences. Even Christians are divided by the choices in this presidential election. I remember when debate without hate was real. I have had major differences with people who became good friends. A few years ago, I