Jesus Loves Me…So what?
What does it mean to be loved by God? I mean truly loved by God. I grew up singing Jesus Loves Me. I believe it, but is it just a fact that I know to be true, or a radical …
Category: Spiritual Direction
Justice for the Oppressed
I’ve been thinking much about justice this week. I’ve encountered the justice system in two separate counties of Illinois and found great differences in how abused women were heard and helped. There does not seem to be a standard of …
The FOCUS Ministries Chaplain has Arrived.
FOCUS Ministries is blessed to announce Chaplain Natalie Frame has joined the staff. I am honored to be the first FOCUS Ministries chaplain, and it is truly a joy and a privilege to serve in this way. Please allow me …
Don’t Hold Out for the Disney Ending By Karolyn Dekker
My son and I enjoy an ongoing debate. He prefers a movie with a dark side that concludes in an unexpected way, avoiding an unrealistic wrap-up with a happy ending. His rationale? That’s life! Those movies are a better reflection …
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Faith to Move Mountains By Karolyn Dekker
I’m guessing we’ve all had times in our lives when problems feel like unmovable mountains. I know I have. Yet, Jesus told his disciples “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, …
I Wonder . . .
What an effective picture of the view of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on Inauguration Day. Glowing lights lined the mall representing lives lost due to COVID-19. It was an impressive memorial to loved ones that were no longer …
Abuse…on the Mission Field? by Karolyn Dekker
Isabel’s voice revealed pain and fatigue from the ongoing struggle with her husband. As a new convert, she wanted to learn how to respond to the emotional and verbal attacks of her unbelieving spouse, Carlos. I listened with empathy. “It’s …
Celebrate Baby Steps
I recently underwent total knee replacement surgery during the CPVID-19 pandemic. The “nonessential surgery” became essential as the knee joint deteriorated. Preparation plans changed, sometimes from day to day as COVID rules changed. Miscommunication became the norm. This invisible virus …
I’m Leaving You for Me
En Espanol Te dejo por mi Has there ever been a time in your life where you’ve felt that you’ve lost who you are? Lost everything you’ve built. I mean, the dreams you once had are gone. The person who …
Life’s Rejection or God’s Protection?
Click here to read in Spanish – …