• Lessons from Scripture,  Marriage and Family

    What Legacy Will We Leave?

    Since my dad passed away over nine months ago, I have been thinking more deeply on the aspect of leaving a legacy. My entire family is very aware that the biggest legacy our husband, father, and grandfather left to us is one of faithfulness to God. It affected everything my dad did. He was very mindful of passing along to us faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, and a rock solid belief in the Bible as the inerrant Word of God. His words, deeds, and actions were all a testament to it. Scripture speaks of laying up treasure in heaven; so there is an aspect of our…

  • Cultural Thoughts,  Lessons from Scripture,  Sasha's Hope

    You Are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

    One of my favorite Christian authors is Sharon Jaynes. Many years ago I read her book “The Power of a Woman’s Words,” and then through the years most of her other books and devotionals.  Something that comes through in her writing is the background of her personal story. She writes about struggling with feelings of inferiority, shame, and insecurity. But the key for her in overcoming this was understanding who she was in Christ and that her value and worth actually comes from God Himself. What an amazing truth that is a joy to share with people, especially when we’ve experienced this truth ourselves! It reminds me of a time…

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  • Cultural Thoughts,  Sasha's Hope

    Suffering and Injustice: Interview with Sasha

    Lauri: We’ve had many discussions over the years about suffering and injustice. You have had to deal with much of both. I actually don’t know many who are able to speak better on the subject than you. So, thank you for being willing to do so. Sasha: I am always happy if anything in my story can help someone else. It means God is taking what was meant for evil, in many cases, and is using it for good. Lauri: It’s that perspective that is to helpful to people. So what are your general thoughts regarding suffering and injustice? Sasha: Basically, the world is sinful. People are going to do…

  • Marriage and Family,  Sasha's Hope

    Interview with Sasha: Adoption and Motherhood

    Lauri: Your baby is due any day now. How do you feel about becoming a mother? Sasha: Nervous. Excited. Scared. As any woman would, I guess. Lauri: Do you feel prepared for everything that is about to happen and change? Sasha: I think so. Her nursery is ready. I think we have everything we need for her. We’re excited to have her actually using everything and seeing her. I’m excited to meet her. Lauri: Over the years you’ve often mentioned some deeper thoughts about having your own child. Would you feel free to explain some of that? Sasha: I’ll try. Since I’m adopted myself, this will be the first blood-related…

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  • Lessons from Scripture

    Going Through Deep Waters

    Quite a few years ago on a night that felt very dark indeed, I sat in our living room feeling every bit of the deep waters, floods, and fire that Isaiah 43:2-4 speaks: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you: and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze…For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you.” I had reached out to a friend to ask…

  • Lessons from Scripture

    A Light to My Path

    Four years ago at a church service the pastor quoted a Lifeway Books survey that had been done with long time committed Christians about what they viewed as the key to living the Christian life. The answer was that consistently being in the Word of God was the number one factor to living through all the ups and downs of life with their faith in God strong and growing. I don’t know where things like church attendance or prayer or any other Christian discipline fell in the survey, but I was deeply impressed by what came first. The following verses speak to some of the claims Scripture makes for itself:…