Last week, on Valentine’s Day, most of us were forced to think about love one way or another. The advertisements and sitcoms were hard to miss as everything around us turned red. Few western traditions have crossed other cultural divides around the world like Valentine’s Day. From Hong Kong to Cape Town, Buenos Aires to Cairo, the world celebrates love … Read More
Butterflies & Transformation – Word From Shawn Bolz For New Life
This Word was given on October 16, 2011 at the end of the meeting with our guest and friend Shawn Bolz. We really feel that the timing of this word is now, and we wanted to highlight it in the lifeblog. Please take a few minutes to read it and allow the Lord to stir your faith! “I saw this … Read More
The Music Truck – Rachel Klinge
In the suburbs of Sacramento, the unmistakable sound of ‘Pop Goes the Weasel’ and ‘The Entertainer’ filters through the air, as three little girls excitedly clamor out of their white Spanish style house in much anticipation of seeing the music truck pass by. They sing, dance and wave to the driver. Only when the music is no longer audible do … Read More
Successfully Achieving Your New Year’s Resolutions – By Lori Conroy, LMFT
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control; against such there is no law (Galatians. 5:22 & 23). First and foremost change comes through studying God’s word and implementing it into our lives through prayer and walking in the spirit. Below are some practical skills to work at to produce change through self control. According to USA Government Made … Read More
Unsolicited Christmas Gifts – John Bidaurreta
Have you ever received the perfect Christmas gift without ever asking for it? When I was 8 years old, I woke up on Christmas morning and found a brand new red Schwinn bicycle. I had outgrown my first kiddie bicycle, and my knees would hit the handlebars as I rode. This bike had already been handed-down a few times in … Read More
“God is Good…All the Time!” – Isaac Munene
“God is Good…All the Time!” Isaac Munene No doubt we have all heard someone say, “If God is good, why would he allow this tragedy or difficulty to happen?” We all go through seasons when our faith in the goodness of God is challenged. We begin to question the love of God and our faith in His promises is shaken. … Read More
Missing a Key? Thanksgiving Might Be It! – Caleb Klinge
Have you ever lost your keys? Keys are something that we take for granted until they’re missing and we’re stuck. Rachel and I have a very similar set of keys, and sometimes one of us will mistakenly leave the house with both sets. If one of us is in a rush, it can be a bit frustrating to have a … Read More
A Second Touch – Rachel Klinge
A Second Touch (Mark 8:22-26) In the gospel of Mark, a blind man from Bethsaida is brought to Jesus for healing. There is no record of this blind man having an expectation or desire for this. Others asked on his behalf, and Jesus responded by leading him out of the town by hand. Jesus led him away from his influences, ambitions, … Read More
Inside the Numbers: Church Growth – Milt Hodges
I was thinking this week about all the different things you could do and programs you could implement to grow a church. But now that I’ve been a youth pastor for almost two years, I realize Jesus is really into numbers and that every number has a person and story behind it. As I dive more into the lives of … Read More
Burning Ones – John Bidaurreta
Fire has been called the foundation of human civilization, and there are few things more vital than starting and maintaining one when you’re in a survival situation. I believe there is a similar truth in the spirit. The Fire of the Holy Spirit is foundational to our Christian walk and that by maintaining and feeding that fire we not only … Read More