Love Brightly

I read something on Monday that has made me ponder all week. It falls on the week of celebrating our nation's freedom, and it also gave me good things to think about in regards to how I, as a white woman, experience freedom differently than others. This week I've asked myself these questions: In what ways do I experience freedom? Are there freedoms that I enjoy that also may allow for evil to go on uncovered? What good things can I do to silence ignorance? How do I show love to all who are in the family of God--even and especially those who are different than me? How do I do this in a way that is simultaneously respectful to all involved--including the leadership of our country? The words that prompted all of this thought, I wrote down on an extra-large post-it note and kept it in sight. Like I said, I've been ASKING these questions. I DON'T have all the answers. But I know that since this is God's heart for all people, that IF I ask Him for directi...

The kids and I have memorized lots of scripture together. The key for us has been keeping it simple and enjoyable. Why do it at all? Because life throws hurdles and darts, and God says that His word is many things for us: power-giving, direction-setting, wisdom-finding, life-sustaining!   Memorizing doesn't have to be a chore. It doesn't even have to be work--it can be enjoyable! Really! Here's how to keep scripture memory simple, enjoyable, and effective: 1. Select a passage rather than individual verses. Things are not only easier to understand in context, they're easier to memorize because you're putting more meaning to the words as it flows from thought to thought. Choose a short passage (a dozen or so verses) in a translation with easy language. If all you have is a King James Bible, select the same passage at BibleGateway.com in either NIV or ESV translation. (If you don't have a passage in mind, I will make a few suggestions at the bottom o...