Living in the real world means facing challenges, hearing different viewpoints, and learning to respond with faith, humility, and discernment. Remember, there are hard times that we must go through, but as we hold fast to the Word of God, He will keep us on His path as we journey through this life. And as we allow God’s process in our lives, we can fulfill His plans for us. So, how do we handle th...  Read More

I remember attending North Central Bible University in Minneapolis in 1975 and hearing a professor teach something different from what Pastor Smith had taught. I couldn’t wait to leave class and tell my husband what the professor had said because I felt confused. My husband helped me understand that the professor was presenting another way of thinking about the subject. That experience reminded me...  Read More

As a teenager, I often daydreamed about my future—the life I would build, the family I would have, and the person I would become. I knew I was not the only dreamer among my friends. Over time, however, I began to understand that life extended beyond the safety of my mother’s home. Challenges would come because we live in the real world, and I had to learn that my response to difficulty was often m...  Read More

The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, celebrates the birth of American independence from the British Empire. On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence. During our 250th birthday year, Americans continue to celebrate this milestone of freedom with festivities like ...  Read More

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).  When I thought back on my childhood and my dad, I realized how hard it was for him to be his true self. His father was very abusive, so he developed his own mindset on chastisement and how we were supposed to act. He was extremely harsh and justified his actions as ke...  Read More

Father’s Day is here and I thank God for the blessing of a father figure in our home. His steady presence has strengthened our sons and shown them love, kindness, and faith. Whether in Minneapolis or Seattle, he faithfully carried the role of Dad. He never asked for the title, but our sons saw in him a gentle spirit, genuine love, and a life of excellence. At our church, his motto has always been,...  Read More