“Watch your thoughts, they become words; watch your words, they become actions; watch your actions, they become habits; watch your habits, they become character; watch your character, for it becomes your destiny." ~ author disputed, possibly Frank Outlaw During my college years in the early 2000s, many of my peers clung to the idea of… Continue reading Do My Beliefs Really Matter?
Tag: God
How Do You Deal With Fear?
Mountains, beautiful and majestic, serve to remind humans of their mortality and insignificance. There are those who climb the mountains "because they are there," and we consider them fearless. Don't be deceived---they are not without trepidation. They are fully aware that one misplaced grip, one sudden avalanche, or one failure in equipment could lead to… Continue reading How Do You Deal With Fear?
How Can We Improve at Helping Others Within the Church? (Coffee Chat 17)
We are long overdue for a coffee chat! Today's question is two-fold: How do we get better at seeing those who need help, love, and encouragement? How do we conquer social anxiety when it comes to helping others? Join us for a little chat over your cup of coffee, tea, or chai!
The Trouble With Misguided Expectations
What do we expect from God? Why do we expect it? Do our expectations line up with what He teaches in His Word? If we don't see those expectations fulfilled in this life, what impact will that have on our faith? Will we stick with God through prosperity and suffering, trusting in His perfect plans?
What’s the Point of Going to Church if I Can Worship God Anywhere?
“Why do I have to go to church?” “I can do “church” on my own.” “I don’t get anything out of it.” I’ve heard all of them. I used to say the last one in my weaker seasons. I once had a friend tell me, "I can worship God anywhere. I can do church in… Continue reading What’s the Point of Going to Church if I Can Worship God Anywhere?
Marriage advice for the couple who is drifting apart
God’s establishment of marriage and family was like all things in His creation—intrinsically good and perfect. The Lord, in His wisdom, knew that a family needed the complementing differences of men and women. Men and women each bring something of great value to their partnership, filling what the other often lacks. Often those differences, so complementary at times, also cause a good deal of trouble. Our culture loves to hate on fathers and families, so it is up to you and me to counter the culture, starting in our own homes.
Perfect Freedom
Our U.S Holidays such as Independence Day, Memorial Day, and Veteran's Day, always cause me to reflect on the price of freedom. Many men and women have put their lives and livelihoods on the line to give themselves and their descendants what we have this day---an imperfect, but cherished, freedom. I am grateful to be a United States Citizen, but I am even more grateful to be a citizen of Jesus' kingdom. In His kingdom, we have perfect freedom. The above quote from Ronald Reagan is, of course, referring to the U.S., but it also reflects the pursuit of a Christian---we are "Free people, worthy of freedom and determined not only to remain so but to help others gain their freedom as well."
Three Ways to Thrive This Summer
This week officially kicks off our summer vacation! My kids are both elated and scared—elated to be done with early mornings and rushed evenings; scared to lose touch with close friends and favorite teachers. I’ve been working on connecting with parents of friends and getting teachers’ addresses so we can all stay in touch. Even… Continue reading Three Ways to Thrive This Summer
Why It’s So Hard to Be Patient with People
It's easy to talk about love when there is no conflict. It's easy to stand in a brightly lit hall, surrounded by a hundred smiling faces and listen to the preacher tell you how "love is patient and kind," but as offenses mount, love, patience, and kindness are no longer easy to swallow.
If Chaos is Controlling Your Family
Two things never cease to amaze me: 1) How quickly life moves from calm to chaos 2) How God consistently provides—especially in the chaos. The last five days of my life have been like something from a comedy show. If I were watching myself on TV, it would be hilarious. It's one of those segments… Continue reading If Chaos is Controlling Your Family
Elihu's Corner 