Five Truths about Caring for Yourself
When my husband and I lived and worked overseas, we often heard people (especially older missionaries) say, “Well, I’d rather burn out than rust out.” The context was nearly always a situation that was...
View ArticleFive of Our Top Recommended Books for Strengthening Your Marriage
I do a lot of marriage counseling. I often ask couples if they do regular maintenance on their cars and why. The usual response is, “Yes, of course. If I don’t keep my car serviced, it won’t run well...
View ArticleStrength and Weakness: The Inverted Nature of the Kingdom of God
Nobody is as strong as they seem. Nobody is as weak as they seem. Everybody is a part of a Body making strength perfect in weakness. Many emphasize an “I can do all things through Christ” attitude...
View ArticleHow to Handle the Mean Kid on the Playground
Do you remember that mean kid in school? That kid always picked on you! Maybe you were the mean kid. Do you remember hearing the words, “I’m gonna tell!” Maybe it was an argument between siblings and...
View ArticleChildren and the Need to Struggle
Today I planted my early spring garden. I tenderly nestled new seedlings of broccoli, cabbage, lettuces, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts in the still chilly soil. These plants can survive the frosts...
View ArticleSometimes It’s Hard to Listen
I saw her on the street, waved and went over to say hello. Almost instantly, I regretted the decision. Cathy (not her real name) was having a bad day. She began ranting about the conspiracy of her...
View ArticleThanks be to God for a Half Bottle of Lukewarm Water
Matthew 10:42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward. I used to toss that verse...
View ArticleHow God Called an Ordinary Family to become a Missionary Family
“Did you shower?” “Yes.” “Did you use soap?” Looking puzzled, “Yes, on my head.” This was the conversation between a caregiver and an orphan child at a camp in Romania. My husband and I took 2 weeks...
View ArticleChristians are Allowed to Experience Sorrow
Susan was 38 when she found cancer. A group of Christians gathered around her and claimed healing for her. They celebrated that healing, with hilarious demonstrations. Once they put her in an arm chair...
View ArticleHorses Can Heal
She had agreed to meet her therapist at the barn instead of the office. It was hard to rationalize seeking help when she knew others had it much worse than she did. But she was so tired of having to...
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