I love this verse. It is an encouraging reminder for when I’m feeling cynical - like the whole world is falling apart. It reminds me that, while we do live in a broken world, we also live in a world that is made by, sustained by, and loved by God. I need this verse when I find myself sucked into watching the news about some heated controversy or horrible tragedy.

When I read, “For the word of the Lord is right and true,” I’m reminded of all the times that God’s word has comforted, convicted, and guided me and my loved ones. No matter how the world changes, God’s word remains.

When I read, “He is faithful in all he does,” I find myself thinking of how the Lord has been faithful in my own life. I think of all the promises He has kept and all the times He has stayed with me even when I have not stayed with Him. I am so grateful for our God’s faithfulness!

When I read, “The Lord loves righteousness and justice,” I remember all the stories in the Bible where God has toppled the corrupt and rescued the oppressed. I also think of how He has rescued me and disciplined me when I needed it. I’ve seen and experienced His love of righteousness and justice.

Finally, when I read, “The earth is full of his unfailing love,” I find myself thinking of all the people I know who show God’s love to others. I think of all the times that God has provided for my family through others. I find myself thinking of mission organizations, charities, foster parents, volunteers, and all the people who show love through simple acts of prayer, meals, cards, and company. Pretty soon, my mind is filled to the brim with examples of God’s love covering the earth.

Within a few minutes of reading this verse, I am strengthened and encouraged. I hope it can be an encouragement to you, as well.

Have a Delightful Day,
Naomi :)

me once he felt we were most like a family when we were having a meal around the table together. 

When birthdays come around, we don’t give gifts to each other, but we dine out together at each of our favorite restaurants. It is a great way to celebrate another year of life and another year that God has given us together.

When my mother passed away last June, I decided to make celebrating the birthdays of our parents as part of our family celebrations. Our son never met his Grandpa Rogge and was only three when Grandma Rogge passed away. Our daughter never met either of my husband’s parents. Thankfully, our children were able to know both of my parents. Celebrating our parents’ birthdays seemed like a wonderful way to honor and remember them as well as share memories of our parents with our children.

It has been a fun process. My husband has been reaching out to his siblings, asking if they remember what some of their parents’ favorite foods or treats were and also sharing old family recipes. I think it has inspired some of them to start trying out the old recipes again and celebrating their parents, too. They have spent many hours on the phone sharing and laughing about memories of growing up.

Our family is the first family on both sides that claims Christ as Savior. Even though we are not able to share a faith heritage with our siblings and our parents, our children have seen how our relationship with Christ sustains us every day. The way our children have grown up in our household is much different from how my husband and I grew up. The conversation around our dinner table often includes things we have learned from God’s word or how He has worked in our lives. It is a very special kind of heritage that I hope will be passed down to future generations. 

​In His Name,
Stephanie

​that he will guide Abram and his family. He will bless Abram, and Abram will be a blessing to others.

Though our destination differs from Abram’s, the content of our call is the same. Like Abram, we are also called to “go to the land that I will show you.” Like Abram, we will find ourselves in places of vulnerability — unsure of the path before us. To live as a foreigner in this world requires that we, too, trust in the promises of God. These promises sustain and equip us to do the work the Lord has given to us. As we hold on to these promises, the Lord blesses his church and blesses others through it. The story of Abram is also our story.

Over the past few months, I’ve been thinking about how important it is to tell this story. We find ourselves living in a culture where the invitation to trust anything is an invitation to disappointment. There are many people and organizations that make empty promises. It is no wonder that many are hesitant to put their trust in anything other than themselves. To trust something is a practice in vulnerability, and nobody wants to be vulnerable.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to model a different way of being. Ours is a vulnerable walk. Each step we take is a testament to the decision we have made to trust in the One who goes before us. Each step is a declaration that we are willing to go to a land that He will show us. This, of course, is not an easy declaration to make. Our trust in God is often marked by hesitation and uncertainty. As far as I’m concerned, that’s normal. Scripture is full of people who respond to God’s call kicking and screaming. Faithfulness and fear are not incompatible. We trust in God because we are unsure of our next steps.

So, how do we practice this trust and vulnerability? Here are a couple of ideas:

There are, of course, many other ways to practice trust. Regardless of its form, trust is simply an act of worship; worship is an act of gratitude; and we have much to be grateful for.

Lord, let me respond to your call and trust in your promises. Amen.

Pastor McLane

of teaching their kids about Jesus! I adore all of our kids, they are a very funny and creative group.

I am so excited to share about my new adventures with everyone, but very sad to leave everybody to go do all of the cool things! I will definitely have to  show everyone pictures of Korea and my dig site when I get back though! I am so excited to finally gain some hands-on Archaeology experience, and meet several friends from my online school. This trip to Korea is the first time I am going with a group, and not by myself. It is also the first time that I get to do fun things the whole time I am there. I am especially looking forward to staying in a traditional Choga house on Jeju Island. It will be such a cool experience to teach about Korea’s culture, history, and art next year as well! 

I will certainly miss everyone, but I will be back from time to time to volunteer! I will be praying for everyone to have fun, and be safe over the summer! Thank you all so much, you have been such a blessing!

In His Name, Kyler