When reading the stories of the Old Testament, do you ever find yourself surprised by how quickly the Israelites mess up...? If I’m honest, I’ve…
Living Well With Unfulfilled Longings
Not too long ago, my pastor spoke on the importance of children and family ministry — ironic, considering the unrelenting baby fever sparked by the…
Should Christians Proclaim Hope in a World Full of Pain?
“The hard parts of life rarely feel light and momentary.” My friend alluded to 2 Corinthians chapter 4. “Sometimes it’s tough reading that passage, knowing…
When Life Feels Mundane
For the first couple decades of our lives, there seem to be somewhat clear milestones laid out ahead of us: Make it through middle school…
Musings of an Imperfect Perfectionist
For years, friends and sometimes even acquaintances have nick-named me “Sweet Sam” — sometimes “Sweet Samantha Swanson” because the alliteration is just too good. I…
Reflections from Israel: God Our “Rock”
As someone who values security in a world that often feels anything but secure, I often find comfort in reading the psalms. The paslms ground me, in…
When God Overrides What I Thought I Needed
I prayed for something specific and God didn’t answer that prayer. At least—not how I wanted him to answer it, and not in the timeframe…
God’s Promises For You (and not for you)
Recently I’ve been making my way through the book of Genesis. It’s not the first time, but it is the first time since taking a…
Understand This & You Will Never Read the Bible the Same Again
“I don’t see how the Bible applies to my life.” “I find the Bible more dry and confusing than anything else.” “I feel like I’m…
Church Just Never Felt Like “Home” & Now It Does
I was that kid who loved going to church. It never bored me and it never felt like something my parents forced onto me. In…