The definition of embrace-to hold someone or something closely in one's arms, especially as a sign of affection OR to accept or support a belief, theory, or change willingly and enthusiastically.What are some things that you embrace? The first thing that comes to my mind are my loved ones; especially the grandchildren. I’ll hold and squeeze them until they wriggle away in laughter. I embrace famil...  Read More

I love a good war movie. There are three or four that I watch every year. I enjoy them for their action, history, and the reminder of the sacrifice given by those so that my family and I live in freedom. Perhaps one of the most iconic lines that comes from just about any war movie, is “Hold the line.” In the movie “Gettysburg,” Joshua Lawrence Chamberlin was told to hold the line at Little Round T...  Read More

We often tend to make standing firm and compassion oxymorons. I will be the first to admit when I hear someone tell me to stand firm, my first thought is a soldier in a battle. Someone who is going to stand his ground and not move for anything, but what if standing firm doesn't have to be an aggressive word..... What if standing firm meant showing the love of Christ to those around us? Paul writes...  Read More

Philippians is my all-time favorite book of the entire Bible. To me, it has the most life giving, faith encouraging, purpose breathing, endurance and perseverance convicting verses in all of scripture. When I am feeling the weight of the world, I turn to Philippians. When I am feeling overwhelmed by my high functioning anxiety, I turn to Philippians. When I need a reminder of who I am, and why I a...  Read More

If you’ve been on the internet even a handful of times in the past couples of days, you are most likely aware of the great debate. The ultimate question… Can 100 average-sized and unarmed men, take down ONE fully-grown silverback gorilla who is the troop leader? Artificial intelligence doesn’t seem to think so. I want to disagree with artificial intelligence and assume that men could overpower the...  Read More

Have you ever had an experience that crippled or crushed you in some way? We have all been there in our lives. Moments that left us frustrated and grasping for reasons as to why we are experiencing what we are experiencing. It’s in these moments where our faith is truly tested. What will be your perspective in these difficult moments?In one of my past youth ministry churches, I had this experience...  Read More