–Originally published on FWB21 March 16, 2012– Is there any difference between the judgment of God and His discipline? How can we tell? (You may want to get your Bible out for this one.) These questions were sparked by a sermon from Matthew 18 a while back on forgiveness and the parable of the unforgiving servant. The last two verses in that parable are sobering ones, as they reveal a side of God we don’t like to talk about very often: And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart. […]
Grace in Parenting
–Originally published on FWB21 February 28, 2012– I have often struggled with exactly how to find balance as a parent when it comes to administering discipline and bestowing grace. Oftentimes I lean much too heavily on one side or the other. I’m currently reading Sally Clarkson’s book The Ministry of Motherhood, and the study and discussion questions at the end of the chapter on the Gift of Grace were particularly encouraging and challenging to me. They offer no concrete answers for my struggle to find balance, but they do offer good principles for meditation as I seek God’s wisdom in this area. Since they are based on scripture and do not necessarily need the context of the book, I thought […]
Timo and Katie
When I was a kid, I would pore over any photography or travel magazine I could get my hands on, daydreaming about taking captivating photos in exotic places. Never did I imagine I’d get to shoot a wedding at the cusp of the Mediterranean in a village on the southern edge of Spain! Capturing Timo and Katie’s day was both a high honor and a dream come true! I wish I had space to share the whole story of this amazing couple’s beautiful celebration, but a handful of photos will have to suffice. Joy and love exuded every moment as this couple made deeply reverent vows before God and their loved ones. I’m so thankful to have been a part […]
Karen
Meet my precious sister-in-law, Karen! She’s the little sister I never had growing up. She’s been a champ to pose for a lot of shots over the years, but this shoot was special to commemorate her senior year of high school. She’s now an adult with a degree in business and big plans of her own, but I had to share just a few of these for old times’ sake. I love you, Karen!
Ben
When I first met Ben, he really impressed me because of the way he entertained our little boys so we could eat lunch in peace and enjoy an adult conversation. That first impression proved to be true of his character! Kind and thoughtful, Ben is a bright young man who understands his God-given talents and how to use them to bless others. What a privilege to capture him in this season of his life!
Does the Birth Control Pill Cause Abortions?
This is a book review. You may download a PDF version of the book for free. Randy Alcorn is a well-known and respected author. But this book is one of his lesser-known titles. In Does the Birth Control Pill Cause Abortions? Alcorn answers the title question with thoroughly-investigated research presented with the heart of a pastor. Before you dismiss the title because you think you know what he’s going to say, think again. Alcorn begins with basic definitions, presents a solid groundwork of evidence, quotes the pill manufacturers themselves, analyzes evidence presented to the contrary, answers questions and objections, and puts forth a number of appendices full of supplemental information. He confronts the question both scientifically and spiritually, and his […]
Involving Children in Service
–Originally published on FWB21 February 16, 2013– The following excerpt from The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson really resounded with me this morning: I believe Jesus will hold each of us responsible for the stewardship of the good news he has given us. If we are to succeed in our calling of raising children with hearts for God, then we must see ourselves responsible for all of those who are like sheep without a shepherd. We must involve our family deeply in meeting needs if our children are ever going to understand that they were created to serve God by serving others. When Jesus asked the disciples to “follow Me,” he was asking for each man’s entire life–time, allegiance, […]
Seeking Discernment
–Originally published on FWB21 January 29, 2013– What do you do when bad things happen, or difficult times come, or a door seems to be closing? Do you stubbornly push through? Do you break down and give up? How do you discern the will of God when everything seems to be going wrong? Is it even possible to know? This week in our trek through I Thessalonians, we read 2:17-18 and compared it with Acts 16:6-8. In one instance, it is very clear that Satan was the one hindering Paul and his companions, and in another instance it was clearly the Holy Spirit. How on earth did they know the difference? Better yet, how on earth are we supposed to […]
Motherly Fasting
–Originally published on FWB21 January 9, 2013– When women talk about their roles and activities as mothers, rarely is fasting even mentioned, much less considered at any length. I am learning, though, that fasting has powerful implications in family life, and that we mothers do well when we put it into practice for our families. Fasting is altogether rather new to me as a regular spiritual discipline. Only within the past few months have I practiced it with any regularity. But I have seen powerful effects on my walk with Christ and on my family. First, fasting causes me to rely on God in a whole new way. When hunger (or, more frequently, a craving) strikes, I am reminded to […]
On the Eve of My 30th Birthday
–Originally published on FWB21 December 27, 2012– Tomorrow is my 30th birthday. I figured since FWB21 is a blog for 20-somethings, I should make it known that as of tomorrow I will no longer fit this category. However, by the grace of God, I plan to continue to blog here for as long as they’ll let me. Until I’m too old and irrelevant. Or until Jesus comes. (I’m really hoping the latter comes first.) I’ve never been one to lament the aging process. Rather, I embrace it. Because I have long found my identity in Christ, I have learned “in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Whether single or married, without children or with them, very young or […]