Taking Hebron

The other day I was putting in a children’s Bible DVD for the kids, as a part of the Bible lesson I was teaching them. While I did this Joseph was remembering back to when we’d learned about Daniel and how God’s hand had written on the wall. (Daniel 5:13-31) He then turned to me and asked, “Does the Lord have a long arm?” I looked at him and immediately Numbers 11:23 came to mind, “Has the Lord’s arm been shortened?” I then replied, “Yes Joseph, He does [have a long arm]” Unaware to me this conversation lingered dormant in my mind. Then yesterday I was creating a musical photo montage of our recent trip to see the Judge about finalizing my family’s most recent adoptions with U.S. birth certificates. A photo then came up of all us kids sitting together as the song said: That’s what faith can do, overcome the odds when you don’t have a chance, when the world says you can’t, it’ll tell you that you can.* These words hit down deep, for this was the very same song that had been...

This afternoon I decided to go for a hike in the foothills. It was a beautiful day, just perfect for hiking. I hadn’t gone very far when I met someone on the path. This little old lady with her cane stepped off to the side to let me by. I smiled at her and she said with a laugh, “We both know we can do it but is it worth it?” I laughed as I passed and considered her statement for several minutes before it slipped from my mind and I continued with delight at the adventure of trying the new trail I’d found. I hiked in quite a ways before I decided it was getting time to turn back. By the time I reach the car my legs were sore but I was too tickled at the fun time I’d had to consider them. It wasn’t until I was driving away that I remembered that lady’s words from earlier and the Lord asked me if it was worth it? I needed not a second to give my joyous reply, “Yes!” I had chosen to go hiking, sure I got a little sore, had to breath heavy a few times, and got scared by a bike coming around...

Left Hand Right Hand On Sunday March thirteenth I spent the entire day with my fingers taped together so that I might be able to see what it was like to have hands like my little sister. It was very interesting and very challenging. She, at just about two, is far more skilled then I. I was slow and clumsy and caught myself avoiding certain tasks simply because I knew they would be difficult to attempt. The idea to do this, all started after I watched her one morning trying, with much difficulty, to put together one of those wooden puzzles for kids. The pieces were constantly twisting and she struggled to pinch the little plastic peg. I decided then that I would dedicate a day to see what it was like. And as my dad told Abby at dinner, that night of the thirteenth, I’m now her biggest fan. To anyone who’s missing fingers, hands, arms, etc, know that what you may lack does not make you less but far greater! The Lord made all of us just how He needed us to ...

I recently finished writing a book, (Fictional children's chapter book.) So I've been spending the last couple months editing it. I love writing. For four months I joyously poured out my imagination on paper, editing, on the other hand I find somewhat dull. I like getting the chance to read through the story but having to comb through it for flaws just isn't that fascinating. Yet in the writing world there's a desire for your written work to be perfect before you publish it (whether from your printer or professionally.) and you can thus become wrapped up in all the flaws for fear you might miss one and your reader would see your mistake. So the other day I thought about my book, but not from an editors perspective but from a creators. And from this vantage point all I felt was delight. I couldn't be more pleased with how it turned out. For what I desired to show and say is all there and it's covered with the fingerprints of my personality and life.  We are like ...

            Now most of us have heard the story in the Bible about the talking donkey. But have you ever really looked at it? I did recently as I was preparing to do a Bible lesson on it for the kids. The complete story is found in Numbers 22-24, but I’ll give you the short version. Israel was wondering around the wilderness in their 40 year punishment, and they stopped and camped in the plains of Moab. Now the Moabites were really afraid of Israel because (unlike the Israelites) they still remembered all that God had done for them in Egypt and the strength that had been given them to defeat their enemies. So Balak, the king of Moab called for a man named Balaam who knew the Lord and was known for his ability to bless and curse people. Balak of course calls Balaam over to curse Israel so that he will be able to defeat them in battle. Well the story continues and at first God tells Balaam not to go to the king: “You shall not go wit...

   Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them. Luke 5:17       Did you read that?! Did you see what it said? …there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by,… And the power of the Lord was present to heal them. They were SITTING BY!!! When the power of the Lord was present to heal them! This story continues and next thing we know there’s debris falling from the ceiling and everyone’s looking up to see four brawny guys making a hole in the roof so that they can lower their paralyzed friend down before Jesus. And it says: When He saw their faith, He said to him, ‘Man, your sins are forgiven you.’ And He also healed him. The Pharisees and the teachers were right there!!! They were by Him! They could have easily reached Him and touch Him, and yet because they...