How to study the Bible (without getting bored or distracted)

How often have you sat down to read your Bible and—just a few paragraphs later—discovered you’d become distracted and your mind had wandered to the list of things you need to get done? Or you got interrupted?

Learn how to study the Bible without getting bored or distracted

It can be challenging to keep our minds focused. We live in the age of distraction, with both people and devices clamoring for our attention (I’m looking at you, notifications). Attention—focused, deliberate attention—is a priceless skill, especially when it’s aimed at knowing God better through His Word and prayer. 

But how?

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The Words that Matter

GlassesIt reduced her to tears.

My daughter was pulled aside, her motives and commitment questioned. Her concern for others and willingness to respect authority were impugned. Because her heart and deference are authentic and pure, it absolutely blindsided her.

Later that same day, a package arrived for her. The inauspicious cardboard mailer contained a t-shirt from a race in Portland, a gift from friends she made over the summer at a running camp in Washington state. (And an autographed photo of Emily Infield. Woot!) But the most priceless gift inside was the card. The words inscribed affirmed my child for her  Read More

Tally Marks

“Because I’ve made too many mistakes.”

This was the raw response that fell from my child’s lips earlier this week. Sin had reared its ugly head in our relationship and the requisite consequences followed suit. Tears fell. The whole relational exchange was very normal (perhaps less than desirable, but normal)… up until that point. Listening as my child walked away, I overheard a disconcerting, caustic cluster of negative self-talk.  Read More

Fireworks, Lemonade and Salvation: But Why?

Independence Day: The day we celebrate our liberation from England and rejoice in the freedoms we have as Americans.

I offer sincere thanks to the many who fought for those freedoms (and those who continue to defend them). As a country, we enjoy parades and fireworks, BBQ, brownies and lemonade — and a day off of work. This is truly a national party. It is worthy of celebration. Yet somehow I can’t help thinking that we’ve somewhat missed the point.

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Sidewalk-chalk Sermon

Children bring to life their surroundings.

I love watching kids ride circles endlessly on their bikes around the cul-de-sac. I’m tickled when our basketball hoop gets lots of attention and I enjoy the late night squeals of kids on a trampoline. Today, I smiled when I saw chalk had decorated a driveway and adjacent sidewalk as I walked down the street. Reluctant to tread on the artistic renditions, I stepped to walk on the side as I passed. Then I slowed and finally stopped to take it in.

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You, Me and Mona

My fair skin has been ravaged by sun damage: I’m wrinkled beyond my years and scarred from removing multiple Basal Cell cancer lesions. My brown mop has enough gray hairs in it that nobody can mistake them for ‘highlights’ anymore. My teeth are anything but brilliant white. I’m over 40 and overweight.

And sometimes all of that undermines my confidence, when surrounded by the features of my slender, tanned or blond female peers. Our society values those physical attributes more than the ones God gave me genetically. In today’s American culture, the ones I posses are not regarded as beautiful.  Read More

Social Justice: Craze or Creed?

Having a social justice platform is downright ubiquitous these days. Blogs, talks and conferences on the array of justice topics abound in religious and secular circles alike.

But is it just a craze that will follow Silly Bandz and Beanie Babies into oblivion?

I certainly hope not.

After spending the last few months studying the book of James, and attending the Justice Conference in February, I have a fairly strong opinion on this topic. Read More