This morning the kids and I were thanking God for "Gifts Opened Up." We watched this moving video embodying the 3 gifts we kept coming back to: 1) Opened Hands - to love and accept 2) Opened Hearts - to see and feel 3) Opened Mouths - to praise and tellPosted with Blogsy

It happened again, not too long ago. We were gathered around the table, Bible Story open. Matt asked the kids, "Who is the special baby God gave Mary and Joseph for a very special reason?" A child, who will remain nameless, enthusiastically exclaimed, "Moses!" Matt looked at me and I at him. You could almost... Continue Reading →

God intentionally put our beloved single friends on my radar today by having my Thursday prayer list for our Crossroads Class coincide with Valentine's Day. I know some joke that today is a day when those without a love interest are confronted even more with that reality. But, instead, why not make it a priority... Continue Reading →

Joy, my friend and advocate for HIV/waiting orphans and at-risk children, observes, "The [birthmother's] need extends beyond the sidewalks outside abortion clinics, so the ministry [to her and her child] should extend farther than that too." I couldn't agree more. But it is just that thought that can be overwhelming to us who are struggling... Continue Reading →

For just over 11 years now, Community Bible Church has had an outward reminder of the biblical truth that the local church is God's people gathered, not the building in which they meet. Today as we entered an exciting new phase of ministry in our own beautiful building, we don't want to forget that important truth.We... Continue Reading →

The "been there" principles I wrote about last week apply too as we seek to minister to women who have had an abortion. Do we communicate our pro-life position in a way that is so hatefully angry a post-abortive woman would never think of coming to us for help and restoration? Again, our common experience... Continue Reading →

The latest Planned Parenthood campaign, strategically released a week before the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, is clever. Clever, but still not true. Propagandized with a reasonable punch, but still lacking substance.The organization is attempting to do away with the labels "Pro-Choice" and "Pro-Life." Well, actually, it's mostly just trying to eradicate the word "life"... Continue Reading →

On this 40th anniversary of the Supreme Court's landmark decision legalizing abortion on demand in all fifty states, I want to publicly thank my mom for choosing life. In doing so, I am in no way criticizing birth mothers who choose life and bravely made an adoption plan for their baby. I am also not... Continue Reading →

I know I'm a few years late to the party, but I've recently been reading Ann Voskamp's blog, A Holy Experience. She helped us have one of the most anticipatory Advent seasons to date. This woman is nothing if not passionate. And looking at her photographs actually makes me wish I lived on a farm.... Continue Reading →

Here is an excerpt of Steve Saint interviewing and interpreting for now redeemed and forgiven, Mincaye, who murdered Steve's father and his father's four missionary friends 57 years ago today.The radical call for every Christian, written by Jim Elliot in his journal pictured below: "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain... Continue Reading →

MARRIAGEEnjoying a gorgeous sunset along the gulf coastThis year we celebrated our 10-year anniversary with a trip to Florida after participating in the wedding of some joy-driven friends in Atlanta. The R&R together was just what we needed to refuel us for the mission to which we've been called. I love that after 10-years we're... Continue Reading →

From the very beginning of Jesus' entrance into the world, we see God's promise being fulfilled that with Him would come hope for ALL the nations, not just Israel. “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is... Continue Reading →