Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong. -2 Corinthians 12:10 In what areas did you thrive? What do you consider your successes? Is the Kelly Clarkson song stuck in your head now? I can’t seem to get … Continued
For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Do not fear, I will help you.” -Isaiah 41:13 What were your biggest challenges and struggles? As the Prepare-Enrich post points out, when we are in the midst of difficulty, we cannot understate the significance of our struggles. … Continued
The past can hurt, but the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it. -Rafiki, The Lion King [video clip linked here] I don’t know about you, but as the clock struck midnight, signaling the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022, my heart was full of relief. I … Continued
By Steve Rose Just when it seemed we were turning the corner toward “home,” and toward a state of something more normal this past Christmas, we now suffer yet another setback in our journey through this two-year long pandemic, as we face the rapid spread of the COVID-19 omicron variant in this new year. Over … Continued
I was totally spoiled in the food department as a child. My mom is probably the best cook I know. She can make something delicious from just about any combination of random pantry ingredients. My friends always wanted to come to our house and the action always happened around the kitchen island because they all … Continued
By Anna Beth Cross What does it mean to be home? During this time of year, we hear a lot of phrases such as “home is where your heart is,” especially if you watch as many Christmas Hallmark movies or Rom-Coms like I do. The idea of home leaves us with questions…where is home? Who … Continued
As I write this, I’m sitting with Chrissy in Rex Women’s Hospital as we await the birth of our son, Thayer, who’s coming a little earlier than we had expected. Due to some minor complications at Chrissy’s doctor appointment yesterday, the decision was made to induce labor early for the health of both mom and … Continued
By April Alston Advent is a season of waiting and anticipation as we make our way towards Christmas. This year the theme of Close to Home will guide us through the season as we explore the metaphors and imagery of home woven throughout scripture. Each week the traditional Advent themes of hope, love, joy, and … Continued
By Karen Brewer Fall is finally here. That means it’s time to dig sweet potatoes. The children in Sunday School learned about how Jesus fed a large crowd with only few fish and some bread. Then they learned how they can help feed our neighbors with sweet potatoes. Yea, they got their hands dirty, but … Continued
By Karen Brewer As summer winds down, this writer/gardener takes time to reflect on this year’s mission garden including its successes and failures. Among the successes, we were able to harvest and donate a lot of lettuce, broccoli, and cucumbers from our early plantings. Also, we harvested and donated quite a few green beans and … Continued