Weekly Update, January 5, 2024

“In The Beginning” In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” … [Read more…]

Weekly Update, December 22, 2023

“To Be Known” The other day, as I was talking to my 15-year-old in the kitchen, I noticed that he was sporting a new watch–a Hello Kitty watch. Where’d you get that?, I asked. And then answered my own question before he could get there. His buddy, _____, of course. This is the same friend who … [Read more…]

Weekly Update, December 15, 2023

“Mary’s Song” My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name. His mercy extends to … [Read more…]

Weekly Update, December 8, 2023

“The Advent Dilemma” “Slow down!” I called, pulling in with both arms on a leash stretched taut between our big baby of a Great Dane puppy and my hand–her barreling down the trail and me being dragged behind. “You go my pace! I don’t go yours!” I cried as she finally came to a standstill, … [Read more…]

Weekly Update, December 1, 2023

“December 1st” I was looking through my Facebook memories this morning (the record of things I’ve posted on this date in years past), and I found the following: I love a new year and the idea of 365 days (366 in 2024) of opportunities awaiting me.  The New Year represents a clean slate, options, possibilities, … [Read more…]

Weekly Update, November 24, 2023

“I Wish You Hadn’t Said That” Do not suppose I have come to bring peace to earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law – a man’s enemies will be the … [Read more…]

Weekly Update, November 17, 2023

“The Scarcity Dilemma” Last week, in the middle of an aisle at Sam’s Club, I felt the warning signs of an impending anxiety attack. As I stared at my cart piled to the brim with boxes and tubs and pre-packaged everything, my heart began to pound and my temperature rose, then cooled, while the pit … [Read more…]

Weekly Update, November 10, 2023

“Are you the Church that …?” Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.” Matthew 12:33 What a great day last Saturday was!  My heart was warmed to see so many folks working together … [Read more…]

Weekly Update, November 3, 2023

“1 Hour” “Hi. I’m Chris. I’m going to be your Kids Hope Mentor. Every Tuesday I’m going to come and spend about an hour with you, doing whatever you want to do (mostly).” At this, my student began to jump up and down, with an ear-to-ear grin permanently etched on his face. KidsHope is getting … [Read more…]

Weekly Update, October 27, 2023

“On Change” A few months ago, we brought a new family member into our lives. This is Roxie–a now 4-month-old Great Dane pup. And while she looks pretty docile in this photo…looks can be deceiving. Puppies, like children, disrupt everything. When Roxie entered, routines were smashed in a frenzy of jumping, biting, snuggling, and potty … [Read more…]