I thought I understood the resurrection. Then, on an Easter Monday, my father unexpectedly passed away. I had experienced death before, but nothing like this. My dad was such a big part of our lives. God used his faith to bring my husband, Angelo, and me to faith. He suggested that Angelo go to seminary after he became a Christian. Then he handed over his church’s youth group into our fresh-from...
They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,“Hosanna!”“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”“Blessed is the king of Israel!” JOHN 12:13 It was time for the Passover feast, when the Jews remembered their slavery in Egypt and God’s amazing rescue. Everyone was required to go, so they all packed their overnight bags and headed to Jerusalem. Little did they know how special...
When children are scared by a storm, afraid of the dark, or wake up from a bad dream, how can parents remind them of God’s protection and love? In Angels on Your Side: When You’re Feeling Scared best-selling children’s author Marty Machowski addresses children’s fears and anxieties with a simple, relatable story, reassuring them with the good news that God is always present and has sent his...
Don’t worry—I’m not going to pit friendship against counseling, or vice versa. Both provide unique benefits that can enrich our lives. But too often when someone is struggling, we are prone to say they “need counseling” and neglect seeing that they also “need friendship.” That’s why I want to reflect on how counseling without friendship leaves a void. I want to elevate how we value “simple...
“I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.” Proverbs 4:11, NIV The Lord is faithful. He faithfully instructs us. He faithfully leads us along. His ways are wise. His paths are straight. As you near the end of counseling, you and your counselee have interpreted where the straight path is for them. You have imagined what life is like for them on the straight path. And...
