Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

How can you trust God after life-shattering loss?  Naomi's story in the Book of Ruth taught me to shift my focus from myself and my relationships when people leave me picking up the pieces of who I am without them.  Rather than focusing on them and my loss, I must turn to Jesus. He is faithful and never changes. 

Naomi teaches us that God can still use us even when we feel weak and insufficient and we are wrecked with grief. As women, our relationships often define how we view ourselves. Naomi's identity was devastated in ten short years. First, she lost her husband, and then both of her sons died.   

The Book of Ruth starts with Naomi's and Elimelech's journey to escape a famine.

Wrecked with Doubt 

Losing my mom in August 2021 sent me for a loop. I reevaluated everything that I believed and took some time to re-examine the foundations of my faith. My mom confidently and expectantly prepared for her death. She had no doubt about her salvation, and it was evident from her preparation and will that she anticipated spending eternity praising God.
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We all have a  natural instinct to make judgments.  From a survival perspective, judging if a fruit was safe to eat, a bridge could hold our weight,  or a person was an enemy or a foe could be a matter of  life or death.  Since we are  created in the image of God, who is a judge, we judge.  In 1 Corinthians 6:2 Paul explains, “Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?”  

Our judgments should line up with God’s justice. God is a just judge.

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” Zechariah 4:10

It’s Groundhog Day, again.  I eagerly anticipate Groundhog Day like some people look forward to St. Patrick’s Day or Halloween. I don’t have to hear Cher singing “I got you babe” to appreciate the gift of second chances.  I love to ponder Bill Murray's transformation from self-centeredness to wisdom in the Groundhog Day movie.
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Are you surprised by what you see in the mirror?

"You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. Matthew 7:5

When I walk by a mirror, I am shocked by my reflection because, in my mind, I am still 27. It is hard to see my imperfections. How did I get this way? It has been so gradual. I never imagined all the changes time and gravity would bring.
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I first published this blog in 2017.  I thought it was worth sharing again with an updated title and intro

I firmly believe racism is incompatible with being a Christian.  One of my favorite verses states “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 This verse was written to address areas of racial and economic discrimination in the early Christian church.

I write articles about Christianity based on popular Google searches for a national website.  A series of my recent articles have answered the question, "What did Jesus look like?" People also wanted to know if Jesus had long hair and how tall he was.
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“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

I have a confession- I struggle with piles of clutter  on my desk that can top half a foot on any given day.
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"I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. Psalm 119:14

As a kid, I was a compulsive reader and since my mom wouldn't let me read Nancy Drew in church on Sunday mornings, out of desperation, I started reading the Bible.  I soon discovered Psalm 119.  Psalm 119 stretches over 8 pages in my Bible.   It is the longest chapter in the Bible and longer than many complete books of the Bible.  It had funny symbols and words like "Aleph" and "Beth" at the top of each section.
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He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

I was lonely, too.  The realization struck me when my friend mentioned feeling alone in the midst of the busyness of life.  Why would she feel alone?  I knew she had a flexible job, a supportive husband, and great kids; plus I was her friend.
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