In the Zone

WARNING: This is not one of my typical blogs. I am delving into politics so if this isn't what you want to read, go ahead and leave now. Still here?  Good. I face a unique conundrum this election cycle. The Republican Party, in nominated Donald Trump, has selected someone in whom I cannot vote for. His campaign antics, name-calling and cursing have rubbed me the wrong way. His positions have changed too much for me to trust his policy decisions in office. He attacks evangelicals who oppose him and slanders anyone who questions him. I just don't trust him to run the country and he certainly does not align with my views. On the other hand, the Democratic Party will nominate Hillary Clinton, who is also someone I cannot vote for. She has covered up governmental actions and cost the lives of soldiers. She, too, has flipped positions over the years. She supports the current administration's policies, which I feel have been devastating for our country. Worse than that, sh...

Last Sunday at our church, one of our church members shared a powerful testimony. He had a sense of urgency we all need in our present times. Having recently been diagnosed with cancer, he shared the truth of his diagnosis and his walk with Jesus. He shared boldly and bravely about what it means to follow Jesus Christ as Lord. He invited his family, friends and members of the congregation to give their lives to Jesus before it was too late. He gave a poignant reminder of something we should all be aware of: we are all dying. Whether you have cancer, a common cold or are completely healthy, you are dying. I am. You are. We all are. No one will live on earth forever. 100 percent of us will one day die. Yet, we live as if we won't. We make long-term plans. We avoid awkward conversations and moments. We keep thinking we'll have more chances to make things right or to share Christ with our friends and family members. We push things off. But the fact still remains: we won...

This past week was our AWANA closing day and carnival.  It was so much fun seeing all these children get their hard-earned awards from the AWANA year. Then we celebrate with a bouncy house, games, candy and prizes.  It is one of my favorite events of the year. You see, I love AWANA. I love the ministry we have for children and parents in our community. Ministering to children is so vital in our context and in our Christianity. Jesus, in Mark 10:13-16, rebukes the disciples. Some parents brought their kids to Jesus to be blessed, but the disciples wouldn't let them come. Surely Jesus has more important things to do, they thought. But Jesus didn't. He makes it plain to the parents and the children and the disciples that he has plenty of time and resources for children. "Let the children come," he proclaims. In other words, they have value to him. He wants everyone to know that children are just as important as adults and religious teachers. We must live that way...