Nathan was just 5 years old when his biological mother began trafficking him, allowing boyfriends and other men to sexually abuse him in exchange for drug money, rent money, groceries, cable tv and a new iPhone. And images of his body were also used in child pornography. He finally entered foster care at age 9,... Continue Reading →
#Called2Love
Listen up folks, we cannot stay silent forever. Far too long, many of us have buried our heads in the sand and wished all the bad away. We're good people. We’re caring people. We believe in equality. We believe in freedom. We believe in free speech for all. We believe in right and wrong. And... Continue Reading →
The Day I Met Her
One Sunday afternoon as my church family ministered to the homeless of Colorado Springs I was looking over the faces of the crowd and noticed her. She sat off to the side, alone. Her expression heavy and hardened. She avoided eye contact with everyone, never lifting her gaze. She refused to approach the folks handing out... Continue Reading →
You Can’t Please Everyone: Confessions of a Lifelong People Pleaser
I have been a people pleaser for as long as I can remember, but it wasn't until recently I realized how deeply ingrained this trait is in my life. My family relocated to the east coast for my husband's job and we've been searching for a new place of worship. During this search I found myself trying to convince... Continue Reading →
Waiting
Tears flow down They fall like the rain There's no end to my sorrow and pain Too many nights I'm crying for You There's just nothing left for me to do I'm reaching out I just need a touch from You Hope breaks through the cracks in the wall I've built around my bleeding heart Starting to see... Continue Reading →
Fall from Grace
the fall of man perpetuated a domino effect the Creator's perfect plan absolutely wrecked and under the arrogant guise of longing to be all-knowing man fell easily prey the devil's malicious toying we long for things that are vile and desire to have control when in fact what we are doing is surrendering to the immoral the enemy wants us right... Continue Reading →
How Healthy Social Media Habits Can Strengthen Your Youth Ministry
Cliché notwithstanding, social media in all its forms is the ultimate double-edged sword. One edge blessing and one edge cursing. Whether we like it or not, it is here to stay, and it’s growing, so the trick is to embrace the blessing. When it comes to youth ministry, embracing the blessing is not always an easy... Continue Reading →
Note to Self: I choose my husband
Note to self: As a wife I have the opportunity to create a home that either supports or crushes my husband. I can make our house a haven of rest and peace, or a place of anxiety, struggle, dissension. I can choose to be affirming or critical. I can teach my children to honor and... Continue Reading →
Evil, Suffering and God
Why does God allow evil and suffering? There are no words to describe the anguish felt by those who encounter suffering. There are so many tragic stories, so much pain. And many people ask the question, “Why? Why did God allow this?” This has been a heart-rending couple of years for my home-state of Colorado. First... Continue Reading →
Taking Off the Mask
Wearing a mask brings certain comforts, but it also may hinder our personal growth. As long as we wear the mask we don’t have to deal with the underlying problem. But when we are truly able to confront the truth about ourselves we will find true freedom. We can find healing.