A Clean Slate

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.—Philippians 3:13-14

For most of us, 2019 was a mixed bag of grief and joy—more grief than joy for some, and more joy than grief for others. For (more…)

Give Thanks in All Things

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.—1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I love Thanksgiving. I love the family gatherings and the food and the laughter and the photos and the traditions and all the leftovers. I love having a long weekend to enjoy with loved ones. I love the fact that Thanksgiving (more…)

Left Behind by Suicide

Weep with those who weep.—Romans 12:15b

Over the past few weeks, several of my friends and loved ones have lost someone to suicide. Then yesterday I heard the news of designer Kate Spade‘s suicide. Every time I hear about someone losing a friend or loved one to suicide, my heart aches for them. That kind of loss brings a grief all its (more…)

The Death of an Innocent One

For Christ died for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit.—1 Peter 3:18

Over the 16 years we have lived in our house, some of the wildlife on our property has come to view us as part of the landscape. Gary Cooper, the patriarch (more…)

Idolizing Your Heartache

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.—Philippians 3:13-14

I’ve been through a lot in my life—childhood abuse, abandonment, seeing loved ones struggle with addiction, (more…)