The day after Thanksgiving – the one-year anniversary of Robyn’s death – Melissa shared something with me. It was a reflection she had penned on life as we presently know it. She thought about what she would say to Robyn if she had the opportunity to chat with her for a few minutes. As I … Continue reading To Bless the Lord: A Guest Post by Melissa Stearns
All your friends sit in your living room, having just dined sumptuously at your table, and now take up residence on your furniture. Tea and coffee have been served all around and a lively conversation keeps on going. In a bit, you will break out a game of Settlers of Catan or maybe something more relaxed, like Carcassonne. Much … Continue reading Better Than a Party
Iowa Regular Baptist Camp at night 42 high-school aged guys huddled in the men's staff cabin at a camp. They were from every corner of the state with a few sprinkled in from out of the state. Many serving for a second or third time in the summer. Lifeguards, kitchen staff, archery, maintenance . . … Continue reading Whose life is it anyway?
It was a Tuesday morning. Coffee was making its usual errands through my system. My laptop was lighting the room from the couch that I was sitting on. It was a normal morning in my living room. How many times have I sat drinking coffee and typing on my laptop in the last few years? … Continue reading The Sound of Crutches Down the Hall – Thinking About Ambush Grief
Sunday Leftovers is an occasional series which shares a few "morsels" from the Sunday sermon. Some leftovers taste better the next day, but God's word always tastes good, no matter when you chew on it. So enjoy the "leftovers" from my pastor's ministry! Running from Responsibilities The first morsel I want to let you "chew … Continue reading Sunday Leftovers – Resting in God’s Presence
Some families have a tradition of a large or special meal on Sundays. We have often stuffed the crockpot to the brim, turned it on before we left for church, and been welcomed home to the smells of tasty food just ready to be eaten. Sometimes it is the Easter meal at my parents. Or … Continue reading Sunday Leftovers – 1/21/24
It really shouldn't be, should it? We know His character is both loving and gracious. A simple survey of the Bible makes this plain. Even in the Old Testament, when we read of the many wicked kings in Israel, we still see that God is merciful and gracious to His people. His people that really … Continue reading When God’s Grace is Unexpected
Students praying for my family in September, 2023. 2023 was a terrible year for me and my family. One of the worst things that could happen, did. Yes, I recognize that every bad situation could be worse. I recognize that others have gone through even more terrible and grievous situations. And at the same time, … Continue reading Anchors for the Soul: The Cloud of Witnesses and the Crowd of Witnesses
Robyn wanted her testimony read at her funeral. With a patch over one eye to stop her double vision, and with a finger on her iPhone’s swipe keyboard, Robyn composed her testimony. Sometimes she was able to use her laptop, but the awkward angle of her hospital bed didn't always allow this. But no matter … Continue reading Robyn’s Testimony: Her Final Words to the World
Thoughts Worth Thinking 