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 s

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 pro

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 hea

House to House

So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart. Acts 2:46, NKJV

A few weeks ago, while cheering for one of our kiddos at their sports game, my youngest ran up to me with bright eyes and a big idea:  Can my friend come over to our house for a play date?  She and her friend had been playing together that whole afternoon where we were, but her question came from a sense that t

Agreeing in Prayer

Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.  Matthew 18:19, NKJV

"Just a couple more minutes with the iPad," I signaled to our youngest who was enjoying a digital coloring activity while home sick from school.  Without looking up, she nodded in agreement...or so I thought.  When screen time was done, my little one was not.  I thought we were on the same page about wrapping up, but a

God Has a Dream

I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.  John 17:23, NKJV

"I have a dream."  More than 60 years ago, those famous four words cast a moving vision for equality and unity in a sorely divided country.  Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream for brotherhood regardless of skin color or social status was really an expression of a broader dream that our God -- the King of

Specifics Matter

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

When your birthday came around as a kid, do you remember what you asked for? As a kid I used to have very specific requests for gifts, I remember asking one year for a toy car that had to be red. It was a Hot Wheels car because I loved Hot Wheels growing up. It had to be a model car that was real not a made-up car but something I could see on the road as well. I remember just having in m

The Source

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NIV

My favorite trees growing up are banyan trees. Today its the Norway Maple but that’s a totally different story. If you don’t know what a Banyan tree looks like go ahead and look up some pictures. They are so awesome! The reason I love them so much is because they provide so many things to do. They create the perfect hand and footho

Prayers for the New Year

When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying…They all met together and were constantly united in prayer... Acts 1:13-14, NLT

Hello 2025!  While many turn their attention to a variety of resolutions and commitments, I want to invite us as a church to turn our hearts specifically toward prayer and seeking God in the new year.  Every January, the Adventist Church worldwide is invited to participate in 10 Days of Prayer -- a powerful pr

Right Time, Right Gift

But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. Galatians 4:4, NLT

I'll admit it.  Gift-giving isn't my primary love language, and I feel it especially at this time of year.  Sometimes I lack in the area of creativity -- coming short of ideas or feeling indecisive about what I can give my loved ones.  But more often than not, it's the timing of it all.  The crowded weeks leading up to Christmas this year have left me with not even enough

Seeking the Face of God

Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek.  Psalm 27:7,8 NIV

When was the last time you looked into a mirror and really studied your face? Maybe you have a nightly routine of skin care when you check or maybe it's been a hot second since you last looked at your face intently. If that’s the case take a second and go look. It may feel uncomfortable at first, your eyes might be drawn to

Divine Visitation

"Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people." Luke 1:68, NKJV

What started out as a normal Monday soon spiraled down into a sick day.  Before I knew it, fever and chills took over, and what I thought would be a brief morning nap turned into a day-long spell of bedridden misery.  Day turned to night before I heard the welcomed sounds of my family returning home from work and school.  I know it hadn't been all that long, but it sure felt li