What does the Bible say about Divorce and Remarriage? June 1, 2021 | Matthew Morken Statistical data about divorce is difficult to study. So many couples, infatuated with each other and excited take the plunge into marriage, do so with little or no preparation for what is to come. Even those of us who are called Christians statistically seem to have the exact same issue as our society has when it comes to divorce. In order to discuss divorce well, we need to understand what marriage is. Read more Marriage Dating Relationships Divorce Equipping
Parents, You Can't Do It, But God Can October 26, 2020 | Michael Rhodes Whether you’re dealing with a newborn not sleeping, a teenager wanting to become his or her own individual, or anything else in between, we all can admit that PARENTING IS HARD. That difficulty can often create feelings of inadequacy and inability. Read more Parenting Relationships Gospel Equipping
Gospel Reflections After 19 Years of Marriage September 28, 2020 | Matthew Morken Sharon and I have been married 19 years and 4 months. To say that it has been all full of bliss would be a lie. In fact, like many of you, we have learned through our brokenness what love truly is and ultimately what marriage truly is. These are a few things I have learned. Read more Marriage Stories Parenting Relationships Gospel Equipping
To err is human, to forgive is divine September 7, 2020 | Richard Marsceau “To err is human, to forgive is divine”. Think about the veracity of this quote from the English poet Alexander Pope who penned these words in 1711 in, An Essay on Criticism. It has become a proverbial phrase used often to reflect the human tendency to sin and the divine character to forgive. In other words, human beings commit sins and make mistakes. God forgives us, and we are acting in a Godlike (divine) way when we forgive. Read more Marriage Friendships Relationships Gospel
For This Child I Prayed May 25, 2020 | Chelsey McDill I belong to a club. It’s the kind of club you’d never voluntarily sign up for. Although you’re privy to its membership right away, somehow you are drawn into meeting other members of this club and there’s an instant bond. They each have a story like mine. One of longing and heartbreak, of waiting and praying, faith and love. I belong to a silent club of women who are unable to bear children. Read more Parenting Relationships
In His Steps May 18, 2020 | Steve Schoepf We know very little about Jesus’ childhood or young manhood. Just this… Read more Parenting Relationships Spiritual Growth
From Marital Miss Toward Marital Bliss October 28, 2019 | Matthew Morken I look back and am amazed at how easily I can forgive someone outside my home yet, within my marriage, I will cling to my anger and hurt. I don’t want to process it in a healthy, forgiving way in an effort to bring my own wrath and punishment down. However, we have been given... Read more Marriage Dating Relationships Spiritual Growth Equipping
Let's Talk Fertilizer October 21, 2019 | Kathryn Hufford A few weeks ago we considered the Anniversary Tree as a metaphor for marriage. As you can imagine, for one to live long, it needs care and nurturing. This week, let us consider how to nurture that tree to ensure longevity and health by the use of a very important ingredient. Read more Marriage Relationships
Commitment in Marriage October 14, 2019 | Michelle Novak As we decisively devoted ourselves to each other we became one flesh defending the covenant we made before God against the war of temptation and cultural indifference which threatened to derail our union. How? By commitment… Read more Marriage Relationships
Growing Our Marriage October 7, 2019 | Richard Marsceau The tree was of the decorative variety. It was small and was to have a life span of around 5 years. 21 years later it is hardy, over 25 feet tall, spreading, shedding limbs and bark, ugly, and beautiful in its own way, still standing…in stark contrast to the trees around it. The tree has become a symbol of our marriage and a picture of marriage as man and woman journey through the years of living together. Read more Marriage Relationships
Parent Commissioning September 23, 2019 | Matthew Morken The more we study the Scriptures, the more we realize how much God has given us. Considering the extreme wrath we should face as the penalty for our sins, the fact that He gives us anything is an awesome kindness. We deserve hell. But God, in His grace and mercy, has given us a wealth of gifts. Read more Marriage Parenting Relationships Spiritual Growth Equipping
Family Worship July 9, 2019 | Rose Miller Holding my bleeding finger in a paper towel, I just cried. Defeat tempted me. But then I noticed the song playing in the living room. I stopped and remembered whose I was. Raising my hands – partly to stop the bleeding and partly in surrender – I worshiped along with the song. Read more Parenting Relationships
Dads Need Each Other June 11, 2019 | Steve Schoepf Let’s “buddy up” this Father’s Day, and the days after, for the sake of our wives, our kids, and our grandkids… and for heaven’s sake. Read more Parenting Relationships
Hey, Mom, Jesus is Enough May 6, 2019 | Randyl LaMaack Mother’s Day. So many emotions come from so many different places and experiences on this day. Mother’s Day is a hard day for me. Maybe it is for you, too. Read more Parenting Relationships Spiritual Growth
Sound of Hallelujahs March 11, 2019 | Marcy Each Melissa is beautiful. And brilliant. Strong and opinionated. She also happens to be black. And I am also strong and opinionated. And I happen to be white. When we first had a conversation at the door to our kids’ Sunday school class, I told her I didn’t think we could be friends because after just a short while of knowing her, I concluded my strong opinions and frank statements would surely offend her. She laughed and agreed that she would most likely be offended by me, and yet Melissa has become one of my closest friends. Read more Friendships Relationships Life Issues Racism
A Forgotten Relationship January 21, 2019 | Ian Crosby Think quick, who are the most important people in your life? Got some names? Good. Now, why are they important to you? What makes that relationship special? Read more Community Friendships Relationships
Example of Discipleship September 4, 2018 | Matt Thede Men are not known for having lots of guy friends where they can have deep conversations about life. It just doesn't come naturally to us. I had reached a point where I was tired of not having a group of guys to talk about things that just didn't seem comfortable or fitting in a co-ed connection group. Read more Community Friendships Relationships Spiritual Growth