The Yearn to Return

Have you ever been a Chreathen? When I first met my husband, John, in 1997 I was straddling the fence with one foot in the world and one foot in church. I was definitely a Chreathen-part Christian, part heathen. But that was about to change.

Just the day before....

Two Time Loser 

If you've ever been a teacher's pet, you may have noticed-the only one who likes you...is the teacher. Kids probably made fun of you behind your back. They may have even plotted your assassination on the playground. The book of Genesis tells a story about Joseph, the favorite son of his father. His father gave him a coat of many colors, a distinguishing gift that set him apart. Joseph wore it proudly like a letterman's jacket.

Double Trouble

"Hey, Mom! D'ya miss me?" Garrett said as he swung open the door and dropped his bags on the floor. 

"Of course I did! Did you miss me?" I asked my lanky seventeen-year-old wearing the same clothes he left home in.

"Yes, Mommy," grinned Garrett. "Give me a hug."

The kids at our church had just returned from a two-day youth conference in Arkansas. I wondered how much of the gospel Garrett would absorb after a three-hour tour on a bus loaded with 50 teenagers and enough sugar to feed the multitude. "Tell me about the conference," I said as I motioned Garrett to sit down.