Do you know why?

Dear bloggy friends,
Most of you here with me know Jesus. We are united in our bond of Christian faith. We speak church-ese. Have you ever tried to explain it to a non-believer? Have you been challenged by someone who is completely against Christianity?

The past several days, I've had the privilege of sharing and discussing my faith with a self-proclaimed athiest. Sadly, he shared that few Christians will take the time to discuss WHY they have the faith they do. Few of them will defend the scripture on which they base their faith. He said that most get angry and call him hateful things. (I realize not everyone would be that way toward him. He was never disrespectful with me.)

First Peter 3:15 says, "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..."

I needed to examine my faith journey a bit to answer his questions. I wasn't fully prepared. I KNOW what I believe. I KNOW I follow the One True, Living God. But to articulate it to someone who doesn't know... that wasn't so easy. How about you? Are you prepared?

It's not enough to be prepared to give the account, though. Can you do it with gentleness and respect? Or would you get defensive? Would you argue?

God is LOVE. Is that what I share when I speak? When I write? When I stand in line impatiently at the Walmart check-out counter? When I grab the parking spot before the other car waiting there? When I say, "I don't have time for you right now."?

Believers, are we prepared to share our hope in love? What would you say to my friend if he asked you?

God, break my heart for what breaks yours

Shared my faith with an athiest. He says few Christians do more than label him hatefully. That breaks my heart. Fellow Christians, do you just talk the talk or do you walk the walk?


2 Tim. 2:24-26
And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

Memorial Box Monday: Precious Moments

This morning, like just about every morning, my daughter snuck quietly into my bedroom, rubbed my arm and softly informed me, "Mommy, it's time to get up."

Like every morning, I opened my eyes (begrudgingly. Morning comes too early!) and gave her the really-you-must-be-kidding-it's-too-early glare. She smiles broadly, "Or do you want to hit the snooze button?" By the way, that question comes from years of marriage and me asking if I can hit the snooze just one more time.

I reached out from under the snuggly covers and patted her on the head. She giggled and ran out the door yelling, "Daddy, she hit the snooze button!"

Even if I am ready to get up, I think I'll always hit the snooze button just to hear her laugh.

God called our family to adopt Ellie. We knew what we'd provide for her: a safe home, love, physical, emotional and spiritual nourishment, opportunity, family. We knew she'd add a new dimension to our family. I never anticipated how great her gift would be. Thank you, God, for the gifts you gave us through Ellie: playfulness, a generous heart, a nurturing spirit, and joy. We love you, sweet pea.

I can't capture the sound of her laugh for our memorial box. I can include this picture - classic Ellie!

Ellie's first day of kindergarten. She's our special gift.

Goofing off with her friends!

Memorial Box Monday started at "A Place Called Simplicity." A friend of mine introduced me to it last week, and I love it! love it! love it!!! Memorial Box Monday provides an opportunity to remember all the good things God has done. Huge, gigantic things and little things that might seem insignificant. God's word is clear: "Cast every care on Me, for I care for you." (1 Peter 5:7).