The Klein uncles always made things fun

I love to play games—cards, board games, word games, volleyball, badminton, ping pong,  croquet, shuffle board …  I rarely turn down an invitation to play and am often the one doing the inviting. Let’s start with shuffle board which is usually considered an old person’s game. In my life, it was a picnic or vacation… Read More

Colossians 1:13-14 Out of the pit

We were (still are) wallowing in the pit–repeatedly sinning with no possibility of perfection or purpose. But the beauty of it is, our God loved us enough to bring about the most glorious and important intervention. God himself (through the person of his Son) paid the penalty for the sins of any and all who… Read More

Colossians 1:11-12 God’s strength for the long haul

Agony. Death. Pain. Fear. Sorrow. We will experience these things and more as we go through life. Do I have to just grit my teeth and endure? In the middle of the deepest and darkest valleys, God will help me to move beyond my wailing question, “Why me?” I look to see God in the… Read More

Colossians 1:10 1 + 2 = 3

I’m not an equation kind of person–I learn by stories and visuals–but this verse is an equation for life, and God gave it to us. We pray (for ourselves and others) asking for wise minds, attuned spirits, and understanding. Why? So that we can life a life worthy of the Lord (with His help) with… Read More

Sometimes worship resembles a pep rally

What does praise look like? I think it has many different faces, sounds, moods. No matter what style, praise always comes first. Praising first in any situation helps us to focus on the one who is in charge, who has the strength to overcome, and who loves us and shares his strength with us. Many times… Read More