Teen talk: Why all this trouble?
God puts troubles in our lives to call us to him. Kayla Laures “This is the worst day ever!” “I hate my life!” “If God loved me, he wouldn’t let…
My Christian life: One man’s battle with anxiety
Anxiety can prove to be a good thing. It can draw us back to God and his promises. I recently took my mask off. I am not referring to the…
A hymn for all ages
It is not too often that a third-grade boy is impressed by a hymn as long and deep as “Behold a Host, Arrayed in White” (Christian Worship 550). My Lutheran…
President’s message: The end of the story
The apostle John was nearing the end of his life. He had been a pastor in Asia Minor—modern-day Turkey—but was now living in exile on the Greek island of Patmos.…
A keeper of random information
Memorizing brings an opportunity to witness and comfort. “Have you seen my keys?” “Mom, where did my Avenger guys go?” Most of the time I can easily answer the questions…
My Christian life: Music as a companion on life’s journey
We all have favorite hymns to sing. They become our familiar friends as we worship and our companions when we experience joy, sorrow, doubts, or trouble. Their familiar melodies and…
Parent conversations: How can I let the gospel shine as I parent?
In my opinion, this is the toughest part of being a Christian parent—letting the gospel shine in how I deal with my kids. It just seems to come naturally to…
My Christian life: Dealing with mental illness
Seeing God’s grace through the struggle of mental illness. I struggle mightily with my mental health. To most people I look healthy; I am a vegetarian who runs about 40…
Easter is life
Easter brings us victory over death and gives us new life. Joshua E. Stahmann The young man across the table from me was in tears. There was no doubting the…