A terrifying statement for a parent to hear from the mouth of their precious child is: “I just want to die!” This heartbreaking outcry can send us into emotional states of fear and anxiousness, wondering what we did wrong. Life is hard, and when children experience hardship at an early age, no matter how we may deem its significance, we must listen to them — not push it aside like it will go away or fix itself. For about four months, we have been experiencing this brokenness

When correcting someone, do I lovingly inspire and educate, or do I insult them, forcing my opinion? Yesterday I was finishing up Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi. Chapter 4 starts with Paul “imploring” two women to be of one mind. They worked with him while he was in Philippi, spreading the gospel. I’m sure from spending time with them he saw for himself their actions when ideas clashed. When the report came to Pual that urged him to write to the church in Phillipi, h

Am I coveting when I don't feel like following through with a commitment I made? Grudging over an obligation allows compulsive desires to deceive and twist accountability. Over time I fell into this self-deceit and desire not to go to church whenever it was our once a month turn to serve in preschool. The Saturday night before, I would be reminded of our responsibility, sighing as regret swept over me. Was there something that could keep me out of going? Any of our kids sick,