REAL LIFE STORIES OF ENCOURAGEMENT, TRIAL, AND GOD’S FAITHFULNESS THROUGH IT ALL.
Biblical Studies Content Coming Soon!
As we post material on various Biblical studies, it will appear in this section.
Beauty for Ashes
Just over a week ago a new foster placement came to our home. He is five. It feels weird to call a child a “placement,” but that is the term. He is small and lovable. As I stated in last week’s post, each new face brings to mind the heaviness of a world broken since that fateful act of disobedience in the garden. However, from time to time, out of the ashes of abuse and neglect we are privileged … no, blessed and humbled … to see a flower of life and redemption sprout where once there was only desolation.
How to Ruin Church Volunteers in One Easy Move
When I was in college I learned something that has stuck with me ever since. It's called the Peter Principle. It was developed by a fellow named Laurence J. Peter. In simple terms, his theory states that people tend to rise to the level of their incompetence. You could say it another way:
People are often promoted one level higher than they are capable of performing.
It's Hard to Say Goodbye, but That's a Good Thing
I never get accustomed to seeing a small terrified face come through the back door of our house carrying all they have in small duffel bag. Last Thursday night was no exception, a grim reminder there are really dark places in this world and children live in them every day.
My Thoughts on ThoughtFull by Dorena Williamson
In her charming and insightful book, ThoughtFull, author Dorena Williamson shines light on something we desperately need more of in our world; thinking of others and appreciating our differences. This delightful children’s book is a wonderful teaching tool and conversation starter as we attempt to teach them how to be more like Jesus as they relate to the world around them.
How to Ruin Church Volunteers in One Easy Move
When I was in college I learned something that has stuck with me ever since. It's called the Peter Principle. It was developed by a fellow named Laurence J. Peter. In simple terms, his theory states that people tend to rise to the level of their incompetence. You could say it another way:
People are often promoted one level higher than they are capable of performing.
Then There Were Seven
The first day they drop off a child at your home who has been in foster care is hard. You know something bad has happened or they wouldn’t be there. You don’t yet know the details, and truly they don’t matter at this point. A child needs a safe and stable place to sleep and that, you can provide.
8 Ways the Church Can Minister to Special Needs Families
Loneliness. Fear. Guilt. Hope. Anxiety. Anger. Bitterness. Despair.
All of these are emotions a family goes through when trying to be an active part of a church family. It's even worse if they are coming in as visitors. Depending on the severity and type of the disability, the emotions are different.
Why Do You Pursue Holiness?
"What is your motivation for your struggle for holiness?
"If I do things around the house like clean up, do the dishes, or laundry because of fear that if I don't my wife will go bananas and yell at me, how much joy do I find in doing those things? However, if I do the very same things out of love for her and out of a desire to serve her and for her joy, then how much joy do I find in doing those things?
"It is the same way with God. If my motivation for holiness is fear, then there we find no joy. If our motivation is love, then in that we find infinite joy."
Don't Worry About It, It's In the Past
One of the things I love about scripture is the divinely inspired tensions that seem to riddle its pages. One of those moments comes from the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:13-14. In it, Paul says,
"13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
What Do You Worship?
Many years ago I heard a sermon where the preacher pointed out how we could tell what was important to us by what was in our checkbook register. Apparently at that time, as now, Wal-Mart is EXTREMELY high on that list. It isn’t that I worship Wal-Mart, it just so happens the bulk of what we buy for our family of 7 comes from there. I mean, they carry everything!
COMING THIS FALL!!!
The Crucible's Fire: A Story of God's Faithfulness will be released by Lucid Books Publishing this Fall! Subscribe to our blog at www.thecruciblesfire.org for up-to-date release information and an opportunity to win a FREE COPY!
She Said, "Yes"
I remember like it was yesterday. We were expecting our second child and this time we didn't know if it was a boy or a girl. I had a boy, and that was awesome, every dad's dream is to have a son to play ball with, teach to run a drill, and how to be a man. This time, though, I wanted a girl.
Expectations and Perspective
If there is one thing I have learned as a foster / adoptive parent it is that my perspective is often wrong, or at least different. By often I mean almost always, it seems. As we prepared to go on a short little vacation with our boys, we started noticing strange questions, packing sequences that didn't make sense, and other oddities. It didn't take long to realize that once again, our perspective was off. I'll explain what I mean by sharing some conversations we had before and during our vacation.
The Trauma Informed Teacher - The Silent Front Line
If you are an educator, you NEED to read this. As an educator, parent, and foster parent of children impacted by trauma this is spot on, needed,and under-trained. You guys are the day to day front line from 8 to 4. Seriously. Read it. Please. This concept should be in every Professional Development package an administrator puts together.
12 Ways Our Children Described Our Family
Have you ever wondered how other people think of you or your family? I have. As my kids have gotten older and our first grandchild came on the scene, I have wondered what they think about our family and how they would describe it to someone else. So, a couple of weeks ago I asked them to list a few things they think of when they think of "us", things that defined who we are through their eyes. This isn't a complete list by any means, but here is what they said...
She Said So Herself
So, tonight we put Brynna to bed, it was uneventful. You know, only 4 meds tonight instead of 5; no shot today. Even on simple nights I'm sometimes reminded, and saddened a little, that normal for us is "how many meds are we giving tonight?". But times like this make that a short-lived thought ... you see, when we brought her home they said she would never love, know love, show love, let alone speak love.
My Daughter's Nurses are Family
As the parents of a child with chronic special needs and foster/adoptive parents, we have had someone in and out of our home almost constantly for over a decade. Even before we ever brought Brynna home from the hospital we had to meet with social workers, DME (Durable Medical Equipment) companies, doctors, nursing agencies, and eventually, the nurses themselves.
Adoption and the Lord's Supper
Life is full of milestones. Many of them pass very quickly when the kids are young and sometimes without a great deal of fanfare. Others come along more slowly as they grow, but often have a deeper impact.
Looking for something specific?
-
March 2024
2
- Mar 29, 2024 How To Study the Bible ZOOM Workshop Mar 29, 2024
- Mar 5, 2024 I Had a Dream … Mar 5, 2024
-
December 2023
1
- Dec 25, 2023 Empty Stockings and an Empty Tomb Dec 25, 2023
-
November 2023
2
- Nov 30, 2023 Huge Little Things Nov 30, 2023
- Nov 2, 2023 He Sometimes Smelled Like Onions Nov 2, 2023
-
September 2023
4
- Sep 12, 2023 Two Babies, One Hilarious Story Sep 12, 2023
- Sep 11, 2023 2 Kids, 2 Days, 2 Towers, 2 Different Worlds Sep 11, 2023
- Sep 8, 2023 Life-Changing, Unseen Miracles of Minutia Sep 8, 2023
- Sep 1, 2023 Strength and Honor are Her Clothing Sep 1, 2023
-
May 2023
2
- May 13, 2023 FREE STUFF!!! READ FOR DETAILS ... May 13, 2023
- May 3, 2023 You're Worthless, and Other Silly Lies May 3, 2023
-
April 2023
1
- Apr 4, 2023 775 in March 2023!!!! Apr 4, 2023
-
November 2022
2
- Nov 28, 2022 Giving Tuesday 2022! Nov 28, 2022
- Nov 22, 2022 We are Thankful for YOU! Nov 22, 2022
-
September 2022
1
- Sep 15, 2022 September Ministry Update Sep 15, 2022
-
June 2022
2
- Jun 17, 2022 FSF EAST TEXAS TRAINING Jun 17, 2022
- Jun 10, 2022 The Crucible's Fire June Ministry Update Jun 10, 2022
-
December 2021
2
- Dec 23, 2021 Miracle and Milestones Dec 23, 2021
- Dec 3, 2021 Our Monthly Newsletter Has Arrived! Dec 3, 2021
-
November 2021
1
- Nov 22, 2021 Scars Nov 22, 2021
-
October 2021
2
- Oct 22, 2021 The Pastors in Mexico Need Our Help Oct 22, 2021
- Oct 13, 2021 Transform your Quiet Time to In-depth Bible Study Oct 13, 2021
-
September 2021
1
- Sep 20, 2021 She Didn't Mean It Sep 20, 2021
-
August 2021
3
- Aug 27, 2021 New Partnership!! Aug 27, 2021
- Aug 17, 2021 The Crucible's Fire App is Now Available! Aug 17, 2021
- Aug 10, 2021 Coming Soon! The Crucible's Fire App Aug 10, 2021
-
July 2021
1
- Jul 20, 2021 Sobering Thoughts from the Balcony Jul 20, 2021
-
June 2021
1
- Jun 5, 2021 Mission Trip Opportunity Jun 5, 2021
-
May 2021
1
- May 4, 2021 Did He Really Do That Enormous Little Thing? May 4, 2021
-
February 2021
2
- Feb 19, 2021 The Little Things Feb 19, 2021
- Feb 5, 2021 2021 March Madness Bible Giveaway Feb 5, 2021
-
January 2021
1
- Jan 5, 2021 I'm No Erin Gruwell, But I Know Who Is Jan 5, 2021
-
December 2020
1
- Dec 11, 2020 Pre-Order Your Mug Today! Dec 11, 2020
-
October 2020
2
- Oct 23, 2020 God's Not Real If She's Broken Oct 23, 2020
- Oct 11, 2020 Pain is Part of It Oct 11, 2020
-
September 2020
1
- Sep 17, 2020 Kingdom Training Videos Now Available! Sep 17, 2020
-
June 2020
1
- Jun 19, 2020 It's Worse Than We Thought Jun 19, 2020
-
May 2020
2
- May 24, 2020 EXCITING NEWS!! CHECK IT OUT! May 24, 2020
- May 8, 2020 13 and Counting May 8, 2020
-
April 2020
2
- Apr 10, 2020 The Potter's Hands and Your Pastor's Peculiar Grief Apr 10, 2020
- Apr 9, 2020 A Digital Paradox of Paper Apr 9, 2020
-
March 2020
1
- Mar 25, 2020 COVID-19 and the Church's Golden Opportunity Mar 25, 2020
-
February 2020
1
- Feb 25, 2020 March Madness Bible Giveaway 2020 Feb 25, 2020
-
January 2020
2
- Jan 7, 2020 The Promises of God Storybook Bible Jan 7, 2020
- Jan 6, 2020 Reading is Not Enough Jan 6, 2020
-
December 2019
3
- Dec 31, 2019 Loving Enough to Confront Dec 31, 2019
- Dec 16, 2019 It's Game Time Dec 16, 2019
- Dec 11, 2019 He Is Greater Dec 11, 2019
-
November 2019
1
- Nov 11, 2019 Brotherhood Nov 11, 2019
-
October 2019
5
- Oct 27, 2019 She's Closer to Jesus Than Me Oct 27, 2019
- Oct 27, 2019 Love Is Lending a Hip Oct 27, 2019
- Oct 11, 2019 I Forget She's Fragile Oct 11, 2019
- Oct 3, 2019 2 Years, 2 Churches, 1 Amazing Story Oct 3, 2019
- Oct 1, 2019 Jesus Had Alot to Learn Oct 1, 2019
-
September 2019
2
- Sep 10, 2019 18 Years, Two Days, Two Worlds: A Brighter Note From 9-11-01 Sep 10, 2019
- Sep 6, 2019 Am I a Servant or Volunteer? Sep 6, 2019
-
August 2019
4
- Aug 28, 2019 Love Is Underwear and Shampoo Aug 28, 2019
- Aug 19, 2019 Then They Believed ... Aug 19, 2019
- Aug 11, 2019 6 Tips for Waiting Tables with Special Needs Families Aug 11, 2019
- Aug 5, 2019 God is Still Good, Even in Suffering Aug 5, 2019
-
July 2019
5
- Jul 29, 2019 "I Love You, Daddy" Jul 29, 2019
- Jul 16, 2019 The Hope of Resurrection Jul 16, 2019
- Jul 5, 2019 Sanctification at Seventy Jul 5, 2019
- Jul 5, 2019 Missed Milestones Jul 5, 2019
- Jul 1, 2019 The Blessing of Brokenness Jul 1, 2019
-
June 2019
1
- Jun 17, 2019 Things Men Need to BE - Part 3 Jun 17, 2019
-
May 2019
3
- May 10, 2019 Your Marriage is More Important Than You May 10, 2019
- May 7, 2019 Don't be Afraid to Dream Small May 7, 2019
- May 6, 2019 You've Come A Long Way, Baby! May 6, 2019
-
April 2019
7
- Apr 27, 2019 Time's Up ... Apr 27, 2019
- Apr 22, 2019 6 Days and Counting ... Apr 22, 2019
- Apr 17, 2019 Things Men Need to BE - Part 2 Apr 17, 2019
- Apr 9, 2019 Book Review: Pathways by Tony Evans Apr 9, 2019
- Apr 9, 2019 Things Men Need to BE- Part 1 Apr 9, 2019
- Apr 2, 2019 25 DAYS and Counting Down Fast Apr 2, 2019
- Apr 2, 2019 25 Years and Counting Apr 2, 2019
-
March 2019
6
- Mar 22, 2019 Thank You Make-A-Wish North Texas! Mar 22, 2019
- Mar 21, 2019 The Weight of Brokenness: Why Foster Adoptive Care is so Important Mar 21, 2019
- Mar 18, 2019 Start Chest Compressions Mar 18, 2019
- Mar 12, 2019 Make-A-Wish Foundation: Making the Impossible Possible Day 1 Mar 12, 2019
- Mar 8, 2019 Foster Adoptive Care: Because Sometimes You Need a Mulligan as Much As They Do Mar 8, 2019
- Mar 2, 2019 The Devil is Right … I’m Guilty Mar 2, 2019
-
February 2019
2
- Feb 21, 2019 4 Things You Can do to Help Your Busy Pastor Feb 21, 2019
- Feb 4, 2019 What if ... We Actually Acted on our Outrage Over Abortion? Feb 4, 2019
-
January 2019
7
- Jan 30, 2019 Giving Away Ministry Jan 30, 2019
- Jan 28, 2019 Great Advice for Your Yearly Bible Reading Adventure: Stick With It! Jan 28, 2019
- Jan 23, 2019 I Want to be the Moon Jan 23, 2019
- Jan 16, 2019 3 Reasons I Stink at Family Devotions (and what we're doing about it) Jan 16, 2019
- Jan 15, 2019 Brynna Reminds Me Every Day Jesus is in the Little Things Jan 15, 2019
- Jan 7, 2019 Let Them Tell Their Story, You Both Need It Jan 7, 2019
- Jan 1, 2019 Top 5 Posts of 2018 Jan 1, 2019
-
December 2018
6
- Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2018
- Dec 28, 2018 We Need Your Help! Dec 28, 2018
- Dec 14, 2018 Was the Night of Jesus' Birth Really Silent? Dec 14, 2018
- Dec 10, 2018 The Instant Family Movie is GREAT, but It Isn't a Family Movie Dec 10, 2018
- Dec 10, 2018 Who Sang The First Song? by Ellie Holcomb Dec 10, 2018
- Dec 5, 2018 3 Reasons It's 'OK' for Foster Care to Rip Out Your Soul Dec 5, 2018
-
November 2018
7
- Nov 30, 2018 Oh the Places You'll Go ... Nov 30, 2018
- Nov 30, 2018 You Guys Are the Best! Nov 30, 2018
- Nov 30, 2018 TODAY IS LAUNCH DAY! Nov 30, 2018
- Nov 26, 2018 Friday is Release Day! Nov 26, 2018
- Nov 21, 2018 10 Ordinary, Boring, Mundane Things that Bring Joy to Us and Glory to God Nov 21, 2018
- Nov 12, 2018 "Can I say everything you say?" Nov 12, 2018
- Nov 5, 2018 I Wonder What Foster Children Think at Church? Nov 5, 2018
-
October 2018
11
- Oct 31, 2018 The Tentacles of Tragedy and God’s Abundant Grace Oct 31, 2018
- Oct 30, 2018 Check Out the New Trailer! Oct 30, 2018
- Oct 29, 2018 Can I say 'Amen', Mr. Parker? Oct 29, 2018
- Oct 24, 2018 3 Reasons Romance Alone Can't Sustain Your Marriage Oct 24, 2018
- Oct 18, 2018 The "Be"atitudes of Disciplemaking Oct 18, 2018
- Oct 15, 2018 7 Questions You Shouldn’t Ask a Foster Child or Foster Parents Oct 15, 2018
- Oct 9, 2018 It's Finally Here! Pre-order Your Copy Today Oct 9, 2018
- Oct 7, 2018 Every Job Needs a Good Corner Man Oct 7, 2018
- Oct 7, 2018 Biblical Studies Content Coming Soon! Oct 7, 2018
- Oct 4, 2018 Embers from The Crucible's Fire Oct 4, 2018
- Oct 2, 2018 Beauty for Ashes Oct 2, 2018
-
September 2018
7
- Sep 29, 2018 How to Ruin Church Volunteers in One Easy Move Sep 29, 2018
- Sep 23, 2018 It's Hard to Say Goodbye, but That's a Good Thing Sep 23, 2018
- Sep 18, 2018 My Thoughts on ThoughtFull by Dorena Williamson Sep 18, 2018
- Sep 13, 2018 How to Ruin Church Volunteers in One Easy Move Sep 13, 2018
- Sep 10, 2018 Then There Were Seven Sep 10, 2018
- Sep 7, 2018 8 Ways the Church Can Minister to Special Needs Families Sep 7, 2018
- Sep 3, 2018 Why Do You Pursue Holiness? Sep 3, 2018
-
August 2018
7
- Aug 28, 2018 Don't Worry About It, It's In the Past Aug 28, 2018
- Aug 24, 2018 What Do You Worship? Aug 24, 2018
- Aug 15, 2018 COMING THIS FALL!!! Aug 15, 2018
- Aug 14, 2018 She Said, "Yes" Aug 14, 2018
- Aug 10, 2018 Expectations and Perspective Aug 10, 2018
- Aug 7, 2018 The Trauma Informed Teacher - The Silent Front Line Aug 7, 2018
- Aug 2, 2018 12 Ways Our Children Described Our Family Aug 2, 2018
-
July 2018
3
- Jul 29, 2018 She Said So Herself Jul 29, 2018
- Jul 24, 2018 My Daughter's Nurses are Family Jul 24, 2018
- Jul 23, 2018 Adoption and the Lord's Supper Jul 23, 2018
-
June 2018
5
- Jun 30, 2018 Everyone Can Help With Foster Care Jun 30, 2018
- Jun 30, 2018 Confess. Repent. Repeat. Jun 30, 2018
- Jun 24, 2018 The Development of Sin - Part 6 Jun 24, 2018
- Jun 22, 2018 They Don't Even Know ... Jun 22, 2018
- Jun 17, 2018 The Development of Sin - Part 5 Jun 17, 2018
-
May 2018
9
- May 27, 2018 The Development of Sin - Part 4 May 27, 2018
- May 25, 2018 The Future of the SBC and JD Greear May 25, 2018
- May 21, 2018 Santa Fe, Theology, and Babylon May 21, 2018
- May 15, 2018 The Development of Sin - Part 3 May 15, 2018
- May 14, 2018 Because She Picked Me May 14, 2018
- May 13, 2018 7 Plastic Bins May 13, 2018
- May 9, 2018 God is Unbelievable!! May 9, 2018
- May 8, 2018 The Development of Sin - Part 2 May 8, 2018
- May 8, 2018 She's 11 May 8, 2018
-
April 2018
1
- Apr 27, 2018 The Development of Sin - Part 1 Apr 27, 2018
-
February 2018
2
- Feb 16, 2018 Here I Raise Mine Ebeneezer Feb 16, 2018
- Feb 15, 2018 They Feb 15, 2018
-
November 2017
1
- Nov 22, 2017 The Others Nov 22, 2017
-
October 2017
1
- Oct 28, 2017 Pinned Down Oct 28, 2017
-
August 2017
2
- Aug 9, 2017 Dunkirk and Following Jesus Aug 9, 2017
- Aug 9, 2017 So that's what it is ... Aug 9, 2017
-
June 2015
1
- Jun 19, 2015 Dr. King Speaks to Charleston From the Grave Jun 19, 2015
-
March 2015
1
- Mar 7, 2015 Trae Moore: A Mighty Man of Valor Mar 7, 2015
-
January 2015
1
- Jan 16, 2015 MiniMatt: She's Back In!! Jan 16, 2015
-
December 2014
6
- Dec 31, 2014 5 Ways to Help a Family in the Hospital Dec 31, 2014
- Dec 31, 2014 She Has No Idea Dec 31, 2014
- Dec 19, 2014 MiniMatt: Inoculated Against the Gospel Dec 19, 2014
- Dec 11, 2014 MiniMatt: The Bond of Peace Dec 11, 2014
- Dec 11, 2014 I Once Had A Dream Dec 11, 2014
- Dec 4, 2014 Upside Down: Children In Church Dec 4, 2014
-
November 2014
4
- Nov 28, 2014 Ok, Brynna, here we go again … Nov 28, 2014
- Nov 28, 2014 I QUIT! Nov 28, 2014
- Nov 19, 2014 She is 7 Now Nov 19, 2014
- Nov 18, 2014 Yeah, That's How You Do It ... Nov 18, 2014