The Titus 2:4 Project

Part 2 So now that Jesus has adjusted my attitude (see yesterday’s post if you missed that backstory), I spent Friday morning walking around and observing people —all kinds of people. Those working, vacationing, sleeping on cardboard, those who seemed like me, and those who didn’t at all. As I watched them, I kept reminding myself: JESUS LOVES THEM. JESUS DIED FOR THEM. I must’ve thought it a thousand times. The day began with a short run and a terrible breakfast. Then we met up with friends and wandered down Fremont Street. We stopped at Pink Box Donuts—yes, I got one. I ran a mile, so I figured I earned it. It seems to me that there's not much to do in Las Vegas except to eat, drink and gamble. Having already eaten and not being much for drinking, I was left with one thing: gambling. I wondered if it was wrong to put a $20 bill in a slot machine. Was it a sin? Maybe, like with drinking, the issue isn’t the activity itself but the lack of self-control. Jesus tu...

I just got back from a short trip to Las Vegas. 🎰 And honestly? That’s really all anyone can stand— short. Vegas is kind of like glitter: fun in theory, but overwhelming in practice. Truth be told, I didn’t even want to go. It was my husband’s annual get-together with his Army buddies. The wives always tag along, and in years past, we’ve met up in someone’s hometown—usually for a wedding or a milestone birthday. But this year, for reasons unknown, they decided on Vegas. Now, full disclosure: in the not-so-distant past, I actually used to enjoy Las Vegas. Probably more than I should’ve. But over the past year, the Holy Spirit has been doing some serious remodeling in my heart, and these days, Vegas is not high on my list of “must-visit” places. My husband handled the travel plans—booked our hotel and, in true Army fashion, waited until the last possible moment to book our flights, which meant we paid top dollar. Awesome. Now, while I’m not exactly thrilled with how much social media ...

I used to be able to get my son to take trash to the burn barrels or pick up fallen branches around the yard by offering to let him drive his dad's big 350 Ford diesel truck around the farm.  Now that he is almost 16, and driving often on his learner's permit, the allure just isn't there anymore.  I can no longer dangle that carrot in front of him.  What used to be a privilege has become a chore. Isn't it strange how that happens. And it happens a lot.

This blog post is about to fly in the face of many Bible - toting,  God - fearing, peace - loving folks.  So I will apologize up front and ask you to extend grace and mercy...and then hear me out, because I really believe this is something that God is leading me to share.   By now, I'm sure you're wondering what on earth I can say that would be offensive.   Well, here goes: Did you grow up singing the beloved hymn, "Count your blessings, name them one by one.  Count your blessings,  see what God has done...."  are you singing it in your head?  I am.    I would bet most of us know the hymn.  And we've used the line "Count your blessings" as if it came straight from the word of God.  Hang on to your hats though...that's not scriptural advice.  Not in the way many people are using it these days. Not when we count them for the wrong reason.    Breathe.  It's ok.  I'll explain.   ...

It's that time of year...it's summer!  Finally!!  And that means our 'neighborhood' (God's country) becomes a tourist destination.  Outdoor enthusiasts from all over the Midwest make their way to Montgomery County, Indiana for camping, hiking and canoeing.  It's one of best things about living here.  (I highly recommend my friend's business, Clements Canoes!) Less than two miles from my driveway are some of the most beautiful natural treasures.  Sugar Creek winds through dense forest and along steep cliffs of Indiana sandstone.  It's breathtaking.  Bald Eagles soar along the tree tops, frogs croak from the banks, fish jump, snakes slither along and visitors take it all in, like stepping into one of the Discovery Channel shows. Yesterday was a perfect day for a short trip down the creek.  It was an impromptu event and we invited some friends along.  My friend and her husband brought three teenagers with them.  Everyone had b...

None of us is perfect.  We are all sinners and have fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)  So if God is willing to forgive us...who are we to withhold forgiveness from each other?  A recent discussion with my ladies small group Bible study really got me thinking about this subject.  Forgiveness, just like love, is a decision - not an emotion.  Deciding to forgive someone for hurting you doesn't mean that the pain and heartache just blow away like a tumbleweed.  Some pains may take years to get rid of.  Deciding to forgive is more like trying to chop down a tree.  You can get rid of the biggest, most visible part, but after a while little stems start popping back up from the ground and you can keep mowing them over so you can't see it...but until you deal with the roots, it's never truly gone. God is the ultimate landscaper.  He knows how to deal with pesky roots so that the things we want to be rid of will be gone...forever....