Was Jesus born in a barn? That’s how many of us picture it, right? Away from people, society, and comfort—surrounded only by animals, some hay, and his parents. Jesus was born far away. Or was he? May...  Read More

It had been a trying half a year. Covid had hit and rocked the world. Personally, I struggled with not being able to travel and see family and friends, and then just when I thought it could not get wo...  Read More

Throughout my childhood, I recall my mother often saying, “You get more joy out of giving than receiving!” as she encouraged a spirit of generosity in me. Over my lifetime, through both personal exper...  Read More

I vividly remember the feeling. It was early December 2009 and I was teaching 5th grade at River Woods Elementary School in Naperville. One day as I settled down after school to work on lesson plans, ...  Read More

How do we know?I am sure you have been asked or thought about that question before…If you are married…how did you know that you were the right one?Looking back on the selection of the college or caree...  Read More

Dear Ones,As we enter the final week of our FORWARD generosity initiative, my heart is brimming with awe and gratitude. God’s hand has been so evident among us. His grace has met us in abundance, and ...  Read More

There's lots of ways to make an impact this Christmas season...  Read More

Do you ever wish you could know something with absolute certainty? Wouldn’t that be comforting? Think about it: if we could know for sure where to go to college, where to invest, who to befriend, who ...  Read More

I’m just going to say it, dear church, we are less than two months away from Christmas! I know that seems impossible to some of you, or might make others cringe. Yet I do see some of you in the back a...  Read More

I love everything about the fall season including sunny days, cool nights, and watching the leaves change to brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red. I love wearing my boots and cozy sweaters and ...  Read More

Ministry, like life, ebbs and flows…through quiet and busy times, some that require hard work, and others that allow us to pause and celebrate what God is doing. The holidays, VBS (Vacation Bible Scho...  Read More

What went through Michaelangelo’s mind when he finished his last brush stroke while painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel? With the paint still wet, did he climb down from the scaffolding and loo...  Read More