Tim Tebow, the Denver Broncos’ quarterback and an evangelical Christian, has been the focus of massive press lately. Multiple fourth quarter comebacks have put him in the spotlight, but the intensity of press has been due to controversy over his “mixing of sports and religion”. One key driver of the criticism is that he often starts post-game interviews with the statement, “First, I’d like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”. Just Google Tebow’s name for a sampling of the hatred directed toward him over this.
Here’s a question to ponder: Would these Tebow-hating sports fans be so intense in their anger if he simply mentioned in interviews that he is a Christian, rather than made a direct statement of thanks to God? Think about it for a second. Continue reading
When we put up our Christmas tree recently, we made a wonderful afternoon out of it. We lit the fireplace (regardless of the fact it was 80 degrees outside), hung the stockings, decorated the tree, listened to Christmas music, turned on the outdoor decorations, and topped it all off with freshly baked pumpkin bread.
This Christmas, I decided to simplify. I know, I know. It’s so common in Christian circles to hear about simplifying and focusing on peace during Christmas that it’s almost trite. But last year our Christmas season was so stressful, Bryan and I said “never again” on December 26th. This year we entered December with a different approach. For example . . . 
“…Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind…” (Luke 10:27)
Last week, during my Bible time with the kids, we turned to a story they hadn’t heard before – the passage from John 9 of Jesus healing the man born blind.
Happy Thanksgiving!
As parents, we intuitively know our actions are even more important than our words for teaching our kids about Christianity. But what exactly should our lives look like?
If your family didn’t regularly pray together (out loud) when you were growing up, your idea of what prayer is and what it should sound like probably came from the prayers you heard in church. Stop a minute and think about the implications of that. Such was the case for me, and I’ve found that it has significantly impacted my prayer life to this day. 
So am I. Now that I have your attention, let me soften the blow. (But just a little.)