Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:12-13 As August slowly sets in, I hopefully anticipate the end of the dog days of summer. That sticky, nauseating heat that makes you want to stay in the air conditioning all the time and creates

Cute, funny and heartwarming quotes from kids

After committing some grievous sins against the Lord, we see David in Psalm 51 crying out for “spiritual surgery” from the very One he had wronged, knowing that joy awaited him at the other side of this painful process.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 Last Sunday, Crane Christian Church officially welcomed Aaron and I as their new pastors. Had you told us six months ago that we would be returning to my hometown of Crane, Missouri, to be pastors of the first church ever established in that little town, we probably wouldn't have believed it. You see, though Aaron and I have felt cal

Sky (3): “Mom, can I take my teeth out?” Mom: “Baby, they don’t come out!” Sky: “Well Nana’s does!” *** So, little Doug (3) was really bummed because it was a rainy day, and he was hoping for sunshine to play outside. In the evening it stopped raining, but it was still dark and cloudy out. I offered to go swing with him on our disk swing because that is one of his most favorite things to do. As we were swinging, the sun broke through the clouds and brightened our whole backya

My granddaughter Gabby was 4 (now 17). We were driving on Green Mountain Dr. here in Branson at Christmas time. There was a small manger scene on the corner and Gabby says, “Look Nana, Jesus is in the doghouse!” *** Last week, my son Silas was hanging up laundry while I was in the room, and a pair of underwear fell out of some jeans. When I asked him if the clothes were clean or dirty, he said, “I don’t know… It’s a hot mess in here.” *** Elizabeth has discovered "boy cooties

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2 From the battlefields of our country’s past to the political debates throughout the years – men and women have been fighting for the freedoms of our country. These freedoms are celebrated every Fourth of July, and this year we celebrate 250

(Cute, funny, and heartwarming quotes from kids)

When I think of the unconditional love I feel for my children, it reminds me how deeply I am loved by my Heavenly Father.

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. Isaiah 40:11 Something I am learning in my walk with God is how specific He is when He speaks to us personally. What connects with one of His children may not always connect with another. Therefore, He will find ways to reach us based on our experiences, our culture, our gender and our deepest longings. That is exactl

The enemy will try to crush you based on your calling, but God will use your calling to crush the enemy. It had been one of the most emotionally trying weeks I've had in a long time. Amid the crushing fatigue and muscle weakness that accompanies a neuromuscular disease like MG, one of the medications I take to fight it was also causing mood swings, and I found myself crying more easily than usual. To add to that, I accidentally overheard a sister in the Lord (who I have great

BY AARON GRAVETT “A man's heart deviseth his way: But the LORD directeth his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 When we were children, camping was such an adventure. The campfires, the swimming, the fishing, the stories told - they were vacations we remembered for life. Even though Tiffany and I are empty nesters, we decided to go camping for three days and two nights. We planned, got all the supplies, and then got all the packing done. Then as we loaded the car there was an excha

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:5-8 Last Saturday was a day I had anticipated and dreamed of for years—my college graduation. It was

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. James 1:6-8 The story of John the Baptist’s angelic birth announcement carries with it a great lesson on faith—or, more accurately—the lack thereof. Gabriel the angel appeared to John’s father, Zacharias the priest, telling him the joyous news that his wife Elizabeth would bear a son who would be great in the sight of the Lord. He was to prepare the way for Messiah and be filled with the spirit and power of Elijah. This news

First, she waited for the groom to come. She didn’t divide her affections to things that would distract her for longing to be with the groom.

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in him will I trust.” -Psalm 91:1-2 I once heard a story from a person who was in basic training for the Army National Guard. One of the hardest parts of their training was a night where they spent several hours rucking. This is usually a long run, sometimes lasting all night, all the while carrying backpacks

Let’s see what the most righteous man on earth said in his time when God allowed Satan to take everything away from him - even his health.

I have compiled a small guide to safe biblical communication based on the rights and obligations we have not only as Christians, but as human beings.

What on earth is myasthenia gravis (MG)? That’s the same question I asked several months ago when my neurologist said she thought I might have it. I was still a little confused after she described it as a rare neuromuscular autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system produces autoantibodies that mistakenly block or damage acetylcholine receptors on muscle cells, disrupting the signals sent from nerves to muscles and causing weakness and rapid fatigue in voluntary muscle