We live in a world filled with trouble. From our past to the possible future and from headlines to heartaches, there are endless reasons to be burdened. Maybe for you it’s unexpected expenses, health concerns, or a strained relationship with your kids. Perhaps you feel overwhelmed caring for an aging loved one or are uncertain about a career change. Sleepless nights, distracted minds, tense...
I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. . . .For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.~ Philippians 4:11, 13 The Four Ds of Discontent Grumbling and complaining is a common struggle for children. As parents we want to shepherd our children toward gratitude and contentment. The transformation from grumbling to gratitude, from complaining to contentment, comes as...
Gladine and I celebrated fifty years of marriage this year. What an amazing milestone and only reached by God’s grace! What would I say to our younger selves on our wedding day? If I knew what I know now? Here are some thoughts. Larry and Gladine, what an exciting day this is—your wedding day. After four years as high school and college sweethearts, you are finally beginning life together as...
Jesus ate, drank, wept, and slept. Think about the wonder and awe of this reality: the Son of God took on human flesh and entered into the ordinary limitations of everyday human life (Philippians 2:7). He experienced hunger, thirst, sorrow, and fatigue. He understands our weaknesses in a profoundly personal way and sympathizes with us (Hebrews 4:15). Because we are his beloved children, we are...
You may have noticed the term trauma-informed gaining traction recently in Christian counseling circles. The idea of being informed versus uninformed about something gives a sense of urgency to the topic. No one wants to be out of the loop when it comes to the care of the people in your sphere of influence. But instead of feeling like you’re behind the times and scrambling to catch up, it’s good...
