Ruth 1:11-14a Some of the greatest stories of fiction have this moment when all hope is lost. There is no way out, circumstances are beyond the control of the person, and the story seems to have ended here at this tragic point. I’m thinking of a classic like “Where’s Waldo?” (well maybe not a classic? but my kids loved them). You search through those pictures desperate to find this dude with glass...  Read More

Ruth 1:6-10 Anytime I hear or see the word “pivot”, my mind instantly goes to the episode of friends when they are moving the couch on the stairs. While pivoting often comes at a stressful or crucial time in our lives, the same was true for Ruth. We see this play out in today's passage as difficult choices were made by Naomi. We see in just this short passage multiple pivots being made.“When Naomi...  Read More

Ruth 1:1-5   I still remember it like it was yesterday. We had arrived in West Branch at my parent’s cabin for a week of swimming, ice cream, late-night movies, games, and a ton of fun…that is until my parents received the fateful call. I was sitting in the living room across from the kitchen as that phone call came. One of my parent’s pastors was trying to get a hold of my aunt and uncle (who wer...  Read More

Week 1Main Point and Overview:    Can you imagine going through “that kind” of pain! You lose your husband, brother-in-law, and father-in-law all within a short period of time. In the culture of that day, women did not have the financial and physical opportunities that they have today. All of a sudden, comfort and contentment was “out the window” for these three ladies. They were now faced with th...  Read More

Titus 2:6-8 & Proverbs 20:7 “Do as I say and not as I do.” This statement frustrated me to no end when I was a child. You may not consider it, but children develop a sense of morality and fairness much earlier than you might think. I remember thinking to myself things like, “why is this thing okay for them but not for me?” Or “why should I have to do this when you never do?” Now that I have kids o...  Read More

2 Timothy 1:5 Generational impact is SO very important! How we choose to live out our faith WILL make an impact whether good or bad. The hope is that we choose to live out our faith in a Christ-like manner so that we can be that example to our children, our children’s children, and to others outside of our little church at home. I am the woman I am today because I watched both of my parents live o...  Read More