August 14th. That was the date of the last blog I posted. Honestly, I haven't felt like writing. This last year has been a deep dive into the search for who I am in this season of transition and loss. It's not that I "dove in," but rather I was "thrown into" the deep end.... Continue Reading →
In the midst of pain and struggles, it's important to embrace the journey and allow it to bring about growth and maturity. Rather than seeking to simply move on from pain, the focus should be on moving through it, with endurance as the key. This process leads to transformation and a deeper connection with spiritual purpose.
In relationships, we seldom consider where someone lives emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. We all have to live somewhere, but dwelling on our pain and disappointments creates an expectancy that leads us into dark places of bondage. By making Jesus our dwelling place, we find joy and hope in the middle of pain and disappointment.
It's been a minute since I've written anything. Actually, I haven't posted anything this year. Truth be told, I haven't had anything to write. Most of what I post comes from deep moments where I am pursuing something that is lacking in my own life and find some nugget of truth that impacts the hope... Continue Reading →
This might touch a nerve, but in the spirit of transparency, I have to admit that I've been disappointed with God. Not just recently. This probably doesn't apply to you, but I have a tendency to judge God based on what He has done for me. When things balance out in my favor, then God... Continue Reading →
Earlier this year, Bill Johnson lost his wife to cancer. Three days later, he was behind the pulpit preaching. Here is a small section of what he taught: God is not a vending machine that I get to put a quarter into and withdraw from Him what I want. He chooses what He gives. But... Continue Reading →
I was sitting in church this past Sunday and I was faced with the question that we're all faced with throughout our lives. It's a question that I've addressed on this blog many times, and I'm certain I will address many more times throughout my life. Is God REALLY Good? As I sat there listening... Continue Reading →
I love the Holiday Season. Thanksgiving and Christmas bring back memories of warmth in the midst of the cold, friends and family in the presence of loneliness, and giving to others in spite of a culture that tends to put themselves first (a topic for another blog). For some, however, this season is a reminder... Continue Reading →
"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope...." Romans 5:3-4 I have this scripture on an index card pinned to my wall in front of my desk. It's eye level so that it's the first thing I see when I lift... Continue Reading →
"Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope.Even today I declare that I will restore double to you." Zechariah 9:12 My wife, Michelle, wrote this passage on the mirror of our bathroom several months ago. I would read it in passing every so often as I was getting ready in the morning. Not surprisingly, and... Continue Reading →
STOP! You probably don't want to read this blog if you're looking for a comfortable, convenient, unchallenged life. This is not a "how to get rich quick" blog or a "how to finally fulfill that stubborn bucket list." In fact, this blog might sting a little if those things are a driving force in your... Continue Reading →
I recently returned from a trip to the earthquake zone in Turkey. We've had members of Hope4Nations working in the area since the very beginning and I wanted to see the work and the devastation first hand. I had seen video and pictures, heard the stories, but nothing imprints the pain and loss more permanently... Continue Reading →
We've all heard the words that break us. "I'm sorry, but we're going to have to let you go." "I don't love you anymore, I want a divorce." "We're sorry to inform you that you have not been accepted." "After further testing, we've found that your cancer has returned." We can all quote or remember... Continue Reading →
Experts tell us "success breeds success." I'm not here to argue the merits of that statement. However, I will say success is not the ONLY factor that breeds success, in fact, it's pretty low on the scale of things needed to be successful. Don't get me wrong, it certainly feels good to do something right... Continue Reading →
I hate it when things break. Usually things are costly to repair and in many instances, it's just better to replace them. I've got a car sitting in the garage that's in need of repair, and it's going to be expensive (thus the reason it's sitting in the garage 😅). Most of us probably fall... Continue Reading →
The earthquake in Turkey and Syria has left, at last count, more than 6,000 dead and 12,000 injured. The numbers may be 5 times that in a few days. Those who have not left the earthquake zone are living in the streets because it is unsafe to go back in their homes. It's winter and... Continue Reading →
I still cry. I'm not talking about a tear rolling down my cheek every so often, I'm talking about the screaming into the pillow, red-faced, snot-dripping-on-the-floor kind of crying. Oh sure, it's not every day like that first year after our daughter passed away, but it still hits me from time to time like a... Continue Reading →
My journey with the Lord began when I was seven years old. I remember the day and I remember being baptized in the little Baptist church in Midland, Texas. As I grew older, I also grew away from the Lord. After graduating high school, I couldn't wait to get out of my parents house and... Continue Reading →
"The valley of the shadow of death holds no darkness for the child of God. There must be light, else there could be no shadow. Jesus is the light. He has overcome death." ~ Dwight L. Moody (American evangelist and publisher) This Is No Time to Panic I remember the moment we backed out of... Continue Reading →
Obviously, I don't have all the answers. In fact, the more I learn, the more I realize how little I actually know. I find it's one of the things that keeps me pressing into the presence of my Heavenly Father, because only He holds the words of life. Early in our journey of loss, grief,... Continue Reading →
Finding Hope and Purpose in the Storm 