A quick thought from my message prep for Sunday:

Thoughts from Philippians 4:1-6

“Life will have its deep, dark challenges. Paul was facing many of them. He new what rejection, physical abuse, social rejection, betrayal, and being mocked felt like. But he knew of Someone else who felt our pain and instead of leaving us in that pain He made a way to resolve it. Through a transformation that would change our course of life; from pursuing dead things in our deadness as a community of walking dead. Instead we are given life through Jesus, a new heart, a new motivation, a new solid rock to trust as we walk through this life. Until one day, He will come for His followers and make right every wrong and united we will live in peace for all eternity. This is life with God.”

Have a great weekend!

The Syrian Civil War-The Syrian Civil War has displaced over half the country’s population and its history of conflict can be confusing. This is a great video interview with Jonathan Andrews on the complex Syrian Civil War.

Four Warnings for Your Twenties-I hopped head first into my thirties this past year, but this article is still relevant. There is so much calling for our attention, distracting us from growing in our relationship with God. This article from Desiring God is worth a read.

10 Lessons on Parenting Little Ones-My second son was born in November and he has quickly become a fun member of our family. I desperately want to be a great father to him and his 3-year-old brother. And I realize that in order to do this I need to draw close to God. This article from Challies has helped me see more clearly some areas that I can work on in my pursuit of being a godly parent.

He is Alive!-Spoken Word

Best Volleyball Blocks Ever with Scott Sterling-The folks from Studio C have done it again! There is nothing like watching someone getting a volleyball spiked to their face multiple times to make you laugh. Enjoy!