Ministry Updates

When it comes to being content in life, we can learn a lot from our dogs.  All a dog needs to make them happy are the basic necessities: food, water, shelter, companionship, and sleep (which our dog does a lot!)  Oh, and a daily walk would be great, too!

Why is it, then, that we humans struggle so much with contentment or ungratefulness?  Sometimes getting what we want isn't enough to make us content.  That's because, no matter what we have, there's always that unattainable something that's just out of our reach.

This month on "Revive ...

The latest installment in the Kaiser Permanente creative ad campaign called "Thrive" is a radio ad called "On the Sideism." 

The premise of the ad is a mantra of moderation - living a healthy life today by ordering your condiments "on the side " - salad dressings on the side, mayonnaise on the side of your turkey sandwich, etc. 

While "sideism" may work for a healthy life, this month marks the 93^rd birthday of a man who has lived out the opposite.  Billy Graham's birthday is next Monday and on that day, the world marks a life in which God has ...

It's said, everyone lives in one of two tents:  either content . . . or discontent! 

When I was a young believer, I was told by a friend that I complained too much.  Some friend, huh?  Actually, she was right.  I was focusing too much on "me" and "my" problems and not enough on Christ.  Looking back on that time, it was clear I was living in discontent!

Given the circumstances the Apostle Paul endured during his missionary journeys (jailed for preaching Christ, shipwrecked and starving, beaten and left for dead), he had every reason to be discontent.  Yet ...

• Answering questions about God
• Dealing with a wayward child
• Addressing new parenthood anxiety
• Battling ...

If you haven't already heard about Azra Karaduman, let me introduce you to this special young lady. Although she is only-2-weeks old, the internet and news channels can't seem to get enough of her! It was not what she did, however, but her survival that has attracted all the attention.

48-hours after her parent's apartment building was destroyed by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake, Azra's survival was unlikely - especially due to the near-freezing conditions! Only 14-days-old, thankfully, Azra was given a second chance at life. Met by applause by the rescue workers, she was immediately taken ...

It's amazing when the ministry we love intertwines with our daily lives. I've asked our very own Lee Ann Jackson to share a little about what's new for her youngest daughter, Rebecca:

There is nothing like a new book to get my heart pitter-pattering . . . the anticipation of a thought-provoking book that you just can't put down.

But what if you're 9 years old?

Yes, there are good enough books about adventures, school antics and even some with good enough pictures.  But, a 9 year old reading a book she can't put down? 

Every fall ...