The Biggest Graduation EVER!

 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

If you are at all like me you will have attended a few graduation this season. Maybe you know a kindergartener who is transitioning into the grade levels that for some reason start with n

Saved to Serve

Therefore, my beloved..., work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13, NKJV

As I poked through my garage to pull out some garden tools the other day, I came across an unopened box that contained a hitch-mounted bike rack.  It was a very thoughtful Christmas gift given to me several months ago so we could tote our family's bikes to new trails and new adventures.  But si

In My Heart

So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. Philippians 1:7, NLT

"Will you play school with me Daddy?"  I couldn't refuse the invitation to sit down and enjoy some pretend play with my youngest (immediately upon picking her up from school to boot!)  This time she was the teacher -- giving instructions about this and that, directing me to my next activity, and reading from her imaginary lesson plans.  After taking a

Following Jesus

So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him. Luke 5:11, NKJV

Who are you following?  In a culture saturated with social media influencers and their countless posts, the options are endless.  In today's lingo, when we choose to like/follow/subscribe to a public figure or channel, we're simply giving a green light to keep receiving more content from those outlets.  But in the New Testament, following Jesus means so much more than expressin

Resurrection Realities

I passed on to you what I received, which is of the greatest importance: that Christ died for our sins, as written in the Scriptures; that he was buried and that he was raised to life three days later, as written in the Scriptures… 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, GNT

This week, I get the privilege of touring with Mile High Academy’s music ensembles in South Dakota.  I’m actually finishing up this post between visits to Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial.  Although the weath

Christ and Him Crucified

For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2, NKJV

A friend of mine recently shared a book with me that challenges readers to focus their lives around one word for an entire year.  Instead of making self-improvement resolutions or goals that we tend to fall short of, the author suggests reflecting on our heart needs and then letting God lead us to a single word He wants to use to bring meaning and purpose to our l

Feeling Forsaken

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" Matthew 27:46, NKJV

There are certain things about life with a preschooler that I really wish we would never outgrow.  As I walked with my youngest across a parking lot today, my hand reach down without looking, and a moment later her hand reached up.  It's normally something we do without thinking -- a habit when we're pres

Experiencing the Bible

"And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts." Jeremiah 15:16, NKJV

In recent weeks, you may have heard us spotlight the achievements of our Littleton Lights Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE) team -- six of our very own Pathfinders who have committed multiple chapters of Romans and 1 Corinthians to memory in preparation for each round of testing.   We've shared updates during service, on our Facebook page, an

Citizen's of Heaven

Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 1:31

My older brother loved watching the Olympics. Every time they came around he all of a sudden became super vocal about his love for our country. I know my brother loves his country but the Olympics gave me an opportunity to really express that love. He would cheer for the USA no matter what sport we were in. I remember one day walking into the living room and my brother was cheering s

God's Enduring Word

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Psalm 34:8

Have you ever tried to memorize Scripture? As a kid, I had memory verses at school and at church. They were never easy for me. I vividly remember going over the same passage again and again—always making a mistake. Now that I’m older, I regret not putting in more effort. Being able to recall Scripture is incredibly powerful and can be such a helpful tool in times of need. Sure, today

Everything You Need

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

My fiancé and I recently got a dog. She is the cutest thing you could ever imagine. Weighing in at about 12 pounds, this Shih Tzu named Yumi has completely won our hearts. Yumi came to us through my fiancé’s grandparents, who were no longer able to care for her. So, at 9 months old, Yumi joined our little family. I don’t know how much experience you have with training

Growing Pains

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.  Acts 6:4, NKJV

Conflict is not my cup of tea, especially when it's within closer circles.  It's one thing to hear about international tensions overseas, but when tempers flare among those I love, I can't bear it for long.  I'm not like the pastor friend of mine who only half-jokingly said, "Conflict?  Oh, I love conflict."  Whether you have a personality more like his or more like mine, I'm

Better Together

Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul... Acts 4:32, NKJV

It was a special weekend.  The sights and sounds of over 350 worshipers from four area churches in one place this past Sabbath were inspiring on many levels.  When the pastors from these four churches first dreamed of this event, it came from an honest awareness of a less-than-ideal history of sister church relationships and a heartfelt conviction that it was time to write a new story

Finding Your Timothy

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 2 Timothy 1:6, NIV

Who are the people God has used to fan your spiritual life into flame?  Mrs. Howard was my 8th grade teacher who spoke about Jesus as Someone she talked to every morning, and it made me want the same.  Dora was one of the matriarchs of my childhood church who felt confident that my young voice could lead hymns for the Adult Sabbath School pr

Encourage One Another

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV

Maybe you've had one of those seasons of discouragement when unexpected things came your way or certain interactions trended in a direction you really wish would've panned out differently.  When I found myself in one of those situations recently, my mind replayed what-if scenarios that really couldn't change the past, and my emotions slid toward heaviness of he