It was 1987. My mom had recently married my stepdad, and our new family needed a new beginning. Like those who had headed out west decades before us, we too were wanting a fresh start. So from the farmlands of Indiana to the hills of Northern California, we drove. I
One of the biggest struggles that I have had during my Christian walk is accepting the truth that God’s love for me is unconditional. It is so difficult for me to comprehend the depths that God would go to have an intimate relationship with me. Jesus, my Messiah, willingly and
Sometimes, Bible study can be a little daunting, especially when we stumble over confusing or difficult passages. Sometimes, the text isn’t as clear as we would like it to be. Sometimes, we doubt our ability to interpret the text correctly. Let me give you a few words of encouragement before
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 Sometimes I wonder
As God would have it, this is the last written blog post by our dear friend, Edurne Mencia. Edurne unexpectedly passed away earlier this month on August 1st. While we rejoice that she is now at home with Jesus, we as a community have been grieving the loss of our
To understand why Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh had made a bad decision when they asked to remain at the East side of the Jordan, we need to read Numbers 32. In that chapter, we read that they had a great number of livestock. When they saw
“Well, here we are . . .” Dave Garroway, the original host of NBC’s Today show, opened the very first airing with these words on January 14, 1952. They were originally spoken with anxious anticipation of good things to come, but when I read or listen to the news today,
“The Lord is in the right, for I have rebelled against his word; but hear, all you peoples, and see my suffering; my young women and my young men have gone into captivity. – Lamentations 1:18 Like any loving father, God wanted to bless His children out of His abundance.
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” – Hebrews 11:1 What are you hoping for in the new year? The quick, safe answer might be something like… A less hectic schedule. To save money. To eat less. To exercise more. To get more
“And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country