In a recent issue of Conversations Magazine, Richard Foster wrote that he dreams of a day when "...those who follow hard after Jesus become known to all as experts in how to live well."  He goes on to quantify that as how, to love one's spouse well, face adversity well, study well, run businesses well, and yes how to die well.  Several years ago, ( Read more... )

What's your World View ?

Recently a young woman, who had received our last Marriage KIT from a friend, wrote regarding our dependence on God, and in the course of e-mail discussions over the past few days it became apparent that her faith and most of her thoughts are pessimistic and negative.  She sees mostly trouble in the future, and ( Read more... )

Independence Day

Perhaps it began as I thought about America's Independence Day celebrations, or when I considered how returning a free rental video to Blockbuster would cost us $2 in gas,  and read the latest poll which said "90% of Americans expect the pain at the gas pump to pose financial hardships in the next six months of their ( Read more... )

Marriage KIT (Keeping In Touch) - Volume 49 - June 08

Who's Keeping Score ?
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John 19:41-20:17 Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid.  Therefore because of the Jewish day of preparation, since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came early to the tomb, while it was still dark, and ( Read more... )

Here’s an emotion charged phrase to consider, that I’ve heard both Dallas Willard and John Ortberg use - “fulfilling the minimal requirement for getting into heaven ”.  If we’re to become the individual that God called and created us to be, such a statement will strike something deep inside our soul that will rise and speak to us.  It may be a ( Read more... )

There comes a time in life when we finally get it...when, in the midst of all our fear, that the still small voice that has whispered to us year after year is heard and our heart, mind and soul scream - STOP!   We've had enough battles for a lifetime, and the struggle to cope is just too great.   Then, when we're all cried out and the sobbing ( Read more... )

1. It will be consistent with Scripture.
2. It will be consistent with the spiritual gifts that the two of you have been endowed with.
3. It will be worthwhile.
4. It will be clear and concise.
5. It will be characterized by high ideals.
6. It will be ambitious.
7. It will be scary - and perhaps life changing.
8. It will be unique - yours and yours ( Read more... )

Marriage KIT (Keeping In Touch)
Volume 05 - Sep 2004

Marriage Covenant
A Problem or The Solution?

Earlier this year the Center for AZ Policy offered a convenient way for those interested in converting their marriage license from any state to an Arizona Covenant Marriage, and several of our friends joined in making the move in support ( Read more... )