Colossians 1:18When I was in junior high many years ago, I was part of a youth ministry program called The Eagles. My youth pastor had created it to be a discipleship program. One in which we would grow closer to God in Bible reading, Scripture memory, Service projects, Church attendance, and a few other things I’ll mention in a bit. He set it up to be that you earned points for these different th...  Read More

What is your favorite Bible verse? Why is it your favorite verse? Take some time to think about it and write it down. It is always great to hear what everyone’s favorite verse is because everyone’s is different. It’s incredible to hear how each person comes to the Lord in a different way and what passages of scripture might point out to them more. This week you will get a chance to know each staff...  Read More

Hebrews 12:1-3 Distraction. The definition of distraction; a thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else or extreme agitation of the mind or emotions. Do you ever feel like your name could be right there in the dictionary being used as one who is easily distracted?  There are so many distractions in life that turn our attention away from the task at hand. Some of the d...  Read More

1 Timothy 6:11-21“See it through to the end,” brings to mind images of riding a challenging situation to its completion. Often it is associated with athletics. The idea is to not give up and claim the prize at the end. Even if for no other reason just to say, “I did it.” Recently, I was able to watch my son and some of his coworkers compete in the “Tough Mudder.” It is a race, of sorts, filled wit...  Read More

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 When I think about the activity of running, I instantly think of the word torture. Nothing against anyone who runs, but I don’t know how you do it! The amount of training that goes into running 5k or even 3k is intense. The pain your body goes through as you train your feet and your endurance. However, I find it fascinating that Paul uses the example of running in 1 Corinthia...  Read More

Philippians 3:15-16 My husband is the biggest goofball I know! From the moment I met him, I couldn’t stop laughing. When it’s just us two, there is a comfortable side of him that’s much different than his professional self. I joke around that he’s still a kid, just a big kid. When it’s time to be serious though, Brandon can get the job done. As a volunteer in the children's ministry at Emmanuel, h...  Read More