Comfort in Times of Loss

I wrote this for my class after a student passed away suddenly. Out of respect for privacy, I've removed the young man's name. ------------------------------------- Ever since last week, we have endured the pain of loss. I cried with you—perhaps even cried on your shoulders—as we said goodbye to our beloved J---. At his funeral, his … Continue reading Comfort in Times of Loss

Marriage (Part 1)

This was written as a lecture for the young women in the youth group that I co-lead, but I don’t think that the guys will be harmed in reading it! ------------------------------------------ I was invited to a baby shower the other day, and I am not sure if you have been to one of those before, … Continue reading Marriage (Part 1)

Marriage (Part 2)

Let me not convince you that marrying a Christian man means marrying a perfect man. None of us are perfect. Jesus (as man) is the ultimate model—and He was perfect—but I’m afraid we are going to fall short in that department. I’m telling you the truth when I say that your husband will do things … Continue reading Marriage (Part 2)

Marriage (Part 3)

We must consider where we have gone wrong on the aspect of marriage, and we cannot listen to all these chic new interpretations of the Bible that say we have obvious problems in trying to apply Paul’s view of marriage to a modern marriage. If you listen to those voices, they will likely tell you … Continue reading Marriage (Part 3)

Masada (Part 3)

(continued from Masada (Part 2)) His offer cut deep. In that moment—yes, that very moment—I realized the amount of manipulation that I had engaged in while trying to satisfy my own pride. The means of exorcising my demon became obvious. Submission to Ronen’s sound judgment (that I should not climb Masada while I was … Continue reading Masada (Part 3)

Masada (Part 2)

(continued from Masada (Part 1)) Imagine my relief when our Israeli tour guide, Ronen, suddenly appeared to whisk me away from the punishment. He called to both me and a young lady who had been accidentally abandoned in the bathroom when the group had departed. In our mutual distress, we shared how each of us had … Continue reading Masada (Part 2)

Masada (Part 1)

Masada, IsraelOn the fourth day of our trip, I awoke to a toasty fever and blood in my urine, which suggested a bladder infection. It is very disconcerting to tell a stranger about abnormal bathroom experiences; however, a bladder infection did not seem to be one of those issues that should be left to secrecy, … Continue reading Masada (Part 1)