Call it a line in the sand! An opportunity to lean in! A moment to invite Father! A posture to take! Whatever you would like to call it, Ron and I have been thinking about this year and taking hold of another moment to “begin again” with our family and with your family! The best way to “begin again” is first to pray! Father God has been thinking about 2015 and our families already! He has great things to share and great adventures to lead. Let’s begin this year talking with him about what is on his mind for us, handing over our plans for his and seeking his lead for our steps! Finally, let’s talk with him about our children and raising...
Read MoreDo you have that place, you know, that familiar setting that without thinking it triggers a conversation with your Heavenly Father? Sometimes you might not think you’re talking with God; maybe it’s more like self-talk. And, then again, maybe it’s a battle with the one who seeks to undermine your thoughts and steal your joy. I have experienced seasons where I have gone in and out of each of these discussions. It is absolute joy when I experience the nearness of Father. But I must confess that this does not happen as much as I would hope. It seems that my self-talk moments and/or battles with the deceiver are more frequent than I’d like. I have a...
Read More“Good Friday and Easter free us to think about other things far beyond our own personal fate, about the ultimate meaning of all life, suffering, and events; and we lay hold of a great hope.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer while sitting in a jail cell on April 25, 1943 It is good for me to remember my hope does not rest in my circumstance nor my performance nor my children’s performance! My hope rests in a faithful Father that again and again has brought me to his “green pastures” of rest, forgiveness and direction (Psalm 23). I want you to remember too! There is a place to lay down your burden and rest. There is a place to free your mind of past...
Read MoreI forget Father’s plans for my family and at times allow the world to shape us. I am easily distracted and busied, but there is more. Father has promises to share. My time with Dietrich Bonhoeffer inspired me and brought me to my knees on behalf of my family. I would love to share it with you as I caught a rare, quiet moment at my kitchen table this morning. The next time you are driving in your car or once you put the kids to bed and find yourself on the couch or before you fall off to sleep yourself, listen to these words from Dietrich. Check out this 12 minute audio blog. Ron audio blog – words from Bonhoeffer on marriage and...
Read MoreWe started a conversation in the book of Colossians around our kitchen table on Sunday. Since our word for the year is “peace,” we read the whole letter looking for that word. It didn’t take long – verse 2. “Grace and peace to you from God our Father.” I asked Maya, Ada and Carson what the word “grace” meant to them. Carson’s quick reply: “Grace – it finds us!” Oh blessed child – “it finds us!” My heart jumps! Yes it does! In the crevices of our pain, struggle, and discontent, Father God comes running, throws his arms around us, kisses us on the forehead, invites us to the banquet...
Read MoreStarted our year in “love,” because our family desperately needed some! Why is it that Christmas break breeds some sibling shenanigans? We all started in Matthew 22:37-40 which then led us to the Shema found in Deuteronomy 6! Praying this for all of our homes this morning! “God, our God! God the one and only! Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that’s in you, love him with all you’ve got! Write these commandments that I’ve given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children.” from The...
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