A Father’s Example

“You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” (2 Cor 3:2-3)

From praying before meals when I was a child to demonstrating a strong work ethic, my dad is a man of conviction who leads by example and supports and encourages his family.

When I was growing up, I learned the value of a good education by watching my dad earn multiple degrees and become a teacher. He didn’t need all those degrees to teach, but he enjoyed the process of learning, and he taught me to enjoy it as well. When he attended summer school in Stillwater, he took my brother and me to class with him a few times. It’s an experience I still remember to this day. Continue reading “A Father’s Example”

Sacrifice

Sacrifice

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world…” (1 John 2:2)

Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer in the US. Here in Oklahoma, people cook out, go to the lake, shop the sales, and use this weekend as a springboard to start summer vacations. Continue reading “Sacrifice”

A Mother’s Day Tribute

“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” (Prov. 31:31)

During my growing up years, my parents were very hands on. My mom baked and decorated my birthday cakes for many years. Four in particular stand out after all this time—Strawberry Shortcake, a Care Bear, a Cabbage Patch Kid, and Barbie. I remember how she worked for hours to get the icing just right. It looked perfect, and it tasted divine.

I loved watching my mom cook. She made almost everything from scratch. In fact, I didn’t know brownies or casseroles came from a box until I was an adult. Except for Jiffy brownies, which I thought were an exception made just for kids like me whose grandmas kept boxes on hand for them to stir together. Continue reading “A Mother’s Day Tribute”

5 Bible Verses to Celebrate Easter

“He is not here; he has risen!” (Lk. 24:6)

Because of Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross, we can live a victorious life connected to him. By his grace, our sins are forgiven. Today, on Resurrection Sunday, I want to honor the occasion by sharing five verses to turn our hearts toward Jesus and lift our spirits. Continue reading “5 Bible Verses to Celebrate Easter”

The Hope of the Resurrection

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (1 Pt 1:3)

Christmas and Easter are both big celebrations for Christians. Even those who don’t believe celebrate these holidays, too, but in much different ways than we do.

As a child, I didn’t understand the importance of Easter. The church I grew up in was more focused on what you wore than on passion plays or sunrise services. I remember scrambling to arrive at church early so we could find a seat and wearing a new dress (I loved to dress up). I couldn’t figure out where all the people came from. I knew everyone at church, or so I thought. Continue reading “The Hope of the Resurrection”