(G)Leaning on Grace

  Sitting here in my office, early on this Saturday morning, the day before Mother’s Day 2015, I have had an opportunity to reflect upon the many female influences in my life. This holiday, a day to honor the Mother’s in our world, brings about a barrage of feelings, some joyful and some filled with regret. For me this day is not just about the woman who gave birth to me, or raised me, but about every woman who has spoken into my life, who has had a hand in shaping the person I have become, or will, as life continues. If I were to be honest, I do not remember life with my mother, Sandra. I was not quite four years old when my parents split up and she left our home. My parents were young when they married and made some bad choices, however, the decision to be apart may have been a wise one given they were miserable together. I do remember knowing who she was when it was time for visits with her. I remember being happy to see her and excited when my older sisters and I spent ...

Do you love like Jesus? Do you think it is even possible? As I read through the scriptures, Jesus is consistently pointed out as the example to which we are to aspire. He is our ideal. Yet, when it comes to loving others we find it difficult. A real challenge to see past the surface images to the hurting hearts of people who just want to be loved.  The depth of character that God encompasses is also a great hurdle for most people. We are bombarded with slogans and mantra’s like “God is Love” that portray one aspect of who God is. Then, on the opposite spectrum end is the God of judgment that seems harsh and unbending in His punishment of sin. Those who take the time to study and learn about who God really is would come to realize that a God of justice is “just" because of His great love. It is because He cares, because He has our best interest at heart that He wants to see us do what is right and honorable. If there were no consequences, no justice, then the universe would ...