It’s that time of year again… Annual Staff Reviews.

One by one the staff members of American Reformed Church enter a small, dimly light room and brace ourselves for the impending interrogation. We are instructed to sit on the far side of the room facing our examiners; four of them to be exact. The room is dry and hot, and nothing is offered to quench our thirst. The investigators whisper quietly to each other, before the official examination begins. I take a deep breath and try to prepare myself for what’s to come…

Okay, okay, it’s not that bad. It does in some ways feel a little like getting called into the principal’s office and in other ways it’s like having coffee with close friends. Merlin, Willis, Codie and Nadine do a wonderful job of putting us at ease and encouraging each of us in the roles that we fill and I appreciate their willingness to be on the Staff Support Team.

Staff reviews have taken several different routes over the nine years that I have participated in them. Some years we have been asked to assess our co-workers, other times members of the congregation have been called upon to share their opinions and experiences regarding the staff. This year we were asked to do a self-assessment based on an idea from Marcus Buckingham, an author, motivational speaker and business consultant, who would argue that the best person to assess your performance at work is you. Staff members were given a list of questions and statements in which we could share our thoughts about our strengths and weaknesses in regards to our duties, our team, the consistory and the church.

Doing a self-assessment is not necessarily an easy task, but it is beneficial. Spending time thinking through the questions helps me reflect on the past year and brings to light areas where I have fallen short and could improve upon in the future. It also reminds me of tasks that I have done well and where I have used the gifts and strengths that God has given me.

God’s Word also instructs us to examine ourselves. As sin-filled human beings we are quick to examine other people and point out their shortcomings, but we tend to shy away from critiquing ourselves in the same way. Jesus cautioned his followers concerning this in Matthew 7:3-5. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

This doesn’t mean that we can never assist others by gently pointing out their blind spots, but if we aren’t doing the work of examining our own hearts and taking care of the sin in our lives, we have no business confronting someone else about theirs or making conversation about it with others.

As we enter a new week, I encourage each of you to spend some time examining yourself, not as a  comparison activity to see if you are better or worse than your neighbor, but an analysis to learn about yourself, your strengths and weaknesses, and to draw near to God.

Lamentations 3:4 “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.”

Erin Jacobsma

A few years ago a friend had an old Snapper lawn mower to get rid of. While the mower still ran, it was not the ideal machine to keep his lawn well-manicured. I told him he could put it on our iron pile, which was scheduled to be picked up by the local scrap man. A couple days later the man brought the mower and set it next to the pile for disposal. Upon his departure, my boys spotted wheels and a motor and immediately asked Josh if the mower ran. Their eyes lit up the moment the engine turned over. Grabbing the wheel, they moseyed around the yard for days, thinking they had just won the lottery. Well, until Josh used it to mow through some tall grass out back. That was it – the motor blew up. Boom! Done…

Josh saw a project and an opportunity to show the boys his mechanic skills so off to town they went for parts. After the local parts man estimated it would cost several hundred dollars to fix the old Snapper, the boys admitted defeat and assumed their days of cruising were over. That was until the gentleman behind the counter offered them a deal they couldn’t refuse. After a short conversation and a very minimal exchange of cash, the boys updated their rig by about fifteen years.

Over the last couple years, the boys have put a lot of hours into their little lawn mower. They’ve built accessories like a trailer for chores, a front blade to push snow; they have even rigged up a sprayer for the lawn. Best of all they get along while working together! Watching them sit side-by-side on the small seat in perfect harmony as they drive across the yard is really pretty priceless. Other than the copious amounts of fuel they have burned, perhaps the most notable alteration to the old mower is the one inch straight pipe they poked out the top of the hood. I say most notable because of the extreme noise it creates. They can be across the property behind the barn, and I still know right where they are when I’m sitting in my living room – on the other side of the house and property!

Sadly, this spring they took the transmission out of their beloved toy. Josh looked into a new transmission with the agreement that AJ would have to do the work to fix it. Josh (and Evan) watched over his shoulder and gave him instruction, but for the most part, AJ made the necessary repairs and the old girl is purring like a kitten – or perhaps I should say roaring like a lion.  Recently at the supper table I heard the latest idea. And while I do not understand exactly what a 1:1 pulley is, I do know it likely has something to do with speed or power.

Whatever the case, it has been a joy watching AJ tinker and learn while putting all his efforts into this simple machine. While I was watching him tune his toy the other day scripture from Colossians popped in my head and it caused me to smile. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” (Colossians 3:23)

Monday we will celebrate Labor Day. For many it is a day off from their jobs, others it’s time and a half pay while they continue with their work. And whether your labors are about preparing for the fall harvest or waiting for the school bell to ring, may it be so of each of us that we go about all our duties with joy and excitement as though each responsibility is an act of worship presented to our Father in Heaven.

Have a blessed week!

Becky Ossefoort

A friend recently shared this newspaper clipping with me:

What kind of church member are you?

• Some members are like wheel barrows—no good unless pushed.
• Some are like kites—if a string isn’t kept on them, they fly away.
• Some are like kittens—they are content when petted.
• Some are like footballs—you can’t tell which way they’ll bounce next.
• Some are like trailers—they have to be pulled.
• Some are like balloons—full of wind and ready to blow up.
• Some are like lights—they keep going off and on.
• Many are thankful and are like the North Star—there when you need them, dependable, ever loyal, and a guide to all people.

Like me, you probably smiled when you read these descriptions and could think of someone you know that would fit into each category. Maybe you felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit and recognized yourself as a kitten or a trailer. Maybe you could even come up with a few more descriptions of the various church members that you have encountered.

As I laid the paper aside, I was saddened by the characterizations of people that are members of the Body of Christ. ALL of God’s people should be dependable and loyal and a guide that points people to Christ, not flighty and reluctant and temperamental.

What saddened me more is thinking about when did we exchange following Jesus and being disciples for being good church members? I can think of many clubs and co-ops and organizations that have members, but Jesus clearly did not commission the disciples to make great church members. His specific words are recorded in Matthew 28:18-20. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make DISCIPLES of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.”

Now I’m sure there was a variety of commitment levels and understanding among the new disciples in the early church and they didn’t do everything perfectly. In fact, if the first century Christians lived life as Jesus intended, half of the New Testament would never have needed to be written. But where have we gotten the idea that the goal is to be a good church member rather than a disciple? Maybe as a member, it’s easy to focus on the perks and benefits. As a disciple, we are called to focus on who it is that we are following. William Kynes offers an expanded definition of what it means to be a disciple: “A disciple is one who responds to the call of Jesus in faith, resulting in a relationship of absolute allegiance and supreme loyalty through which Jesus shares his own life and the disciple embarks on a lifetime of learning to become like  his Master.”

When I shared some of my own spiritual struggles with a friend, they brushed off my concerns and sarcastically replied, “What do you want to be, a disciple?” Actually, yes, I do. And it would be my prayer that all church members would desire to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and a follower of The Way.

Erin Jacobsma

I realize the day for celebrating our mothers is several months away, but after spending a few days camping with three of our four granddaughters, I want to give some love to our moms.

First of all, when it comes to vacation, I’m guessing most moms likely plan the vacation and then also pack everything for the vacation, and thus the vacation probably never really ends up being a vacation. I’m sad to report to you that this is also true for our family.

Second it’s on vacation that I’m guessing most dads get a real glimpse into what a mom does every day. From prepping meals, to changing diapers, and trying to keep the little ones from killing each other and in addition to a full or part time job and a never ending list of other tasks, a mother’s work never               seems finished.

Vicki and I were never outnumbered when we were raising our two sons so we got a little taste of what it’s like to have three—we didn’t dare try all four. Well, in addition to being out numbered, add the extra drama that comes with three little girls trying to play a good game of dolls, and it becomes a physically and  emotionally disturbing experience. When Jesus gave the reasons for what hinders a person from growing in Christ likeness, he could’ve added “having too many kids in too short of a span.” J  You know I’m just kidding, however I’m guessing the writer of Proverbs 31:10-31 put his reflections on paper after returning from a vacation or camping trip.

For the sake of space I will include only selected verses.  (And moms, I know there are many of you who don’t like this scripture because of the pressure they feel to meet these expectations. And yet from my perspective, this description of a mother and wife is not about who you should become, but rather it’s a reflection of who God hard wired you to be).

And with that I honor you with these words…²⁵She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come [like when she can go to the bathroom alone]. ²⁶She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. ²⁷She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. ²⁸Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ²⁹“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” ³⁰Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. ³¹Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

May it not be so with you and me that we should ever take our mothers for granted. And here’s to you, Vicki and Traci and all the other moms who read this!

Grace to you and peace!

Mike Altena

If you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all. This seems to be a favorite line of mothers. In the movie Bambi, Thumper’s mother reminds him of this wisdom and I have repeated this saying to my own family more than once. A new version that I recently heard is “If you can’t be positive, then at least be quiet.”

The tongue is a popular topic in the Bible, especially in the book of Proverbs. Listen to these words from Proverbs 6:16-19 “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.” Is it any surprise that 3 of the 7 things that the Lord finds detestable have to do with our mouth and the words we say?

The Wisdom Writer continues with more insight regarding our tongue:

• “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” Proverbs 10:19
• “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18-19
• “He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.” Proverbs 13:3
• “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.” Proverbs 15:1-2
• “The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.” Proverbs 15:28
• “A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.” Proverbs 17:27-28
• “He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.” Proverbs 21:23

I have had multiple conversations in the past weeks with people who have witnessed the Body of Christ using reckless words and gushing evil from their mouth, criticizing other Christians and bashing the Church. This saddens me greatly, and yet I am convicted that my tongue is also sometimes more like a sword than an instrument of healing. It is so easy to open our mouth and let our words fly. But James reminds us that “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. (James 1:26)

As it was in the time of the early church, so it is today. “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.” (James 3:9-10)

Another phrase you have probably heard is “think before you speak”. Using the letters of the word THINK, examine your heart and think about whether what you are going to say is True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)

If you agree with 2 Timothy 3:16-17 that all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, then we would be wise to evaluate and correct our words. May we all pray the words of David, “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”

Erin Jacobsma

Just outside of our house we have a very large tree next to our sidewalk. The trunk of the tree is massive and I am certain it would take more than two grown men to wrap their arms around the base. It is the ideal tree to climb and offers an incredible amount of shade from the hot summer sun. Each year’s new growth makes the branches heavy and by July we have what feels like a secret little room over our patio.

During the summer months you can find me there reading my morning devotions while sipping a cup of coffee, sharing a meal with my family, or just relaxing with my feet up. I try to spend as much time as possible there and the space has turned into a bit of a sanctuary for me. God and I have had some pretty amazing conversations beneath this tree. Prayers of praise and thanksgiving have been uttered beneath the thick canopy, as well as words matched with tears and frustrations. At times His voice seems loud and clear and other times nearly silent, but I always sense Him near while I am there.

A couple weeks ago I was sitting beneath the lush, green leaves in my chair when it started to rain. I could see the drops hit the yard all around me, yet I did not feel even the tiniest sprinkle. The thick canopy of leaves was sheltering me from the drizzling shower and I felt completely surrounded by His goodness. The few weeks leading up to this point had been a time of loaded schedules and what felt like enormous tasks. I was tired, worn out and ready for a break. As I sat there and watched the rain drops hit the green grass in the distance, I sensed God’s presence and I suddenly felt a calm fall over every part of me. In the stillness of the moment, I was overcome by words Moses gave Joshua, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deut. 31:8) And in that instant, I knew all the trials and uncertainties I had been fretting about were already being dealt with by my Creator.

As I continued to sit in my tranquil little spot, in my mind I listed off some of the many promises God has given us. While I recalled them one by one, the turmoil within my soul shifted and I could sense God’s gift of peace and rest within. And so for my friend reading this today who is experiencing heartache, trial, and sadness – are you holding close to His promises? He put them in His Word so you can lean on them and find strength and hope. God is with you even in the hardest of times. He never leaves you unattended and is walking with you every step of the way. Remember, not only does He join you in the present; He is already ahead of you handling your difficulties for the good of your future.

Standing on His Promises,

Becky Ossefoort

Here are a few scriptures to help get you started: Exodus 14:14; Psalm 46:1; Jeremiah 29:11; 1 John 1:9; Romans 8:38-30; Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 43:2; Philippians 4:19; Psalm 23

This week I had a cataract removed at the Luverne Hospital. I am grateful that this experience was better than the one I had as a kid when I had my tonsils removed. It was morning when my parents took me up the stairs to the office of Dr. Bofenkamp where he put me on a table and then put a towel with ether on my face. The next thing I knew I was in the car on the way home unable to swallow even though I was promised as much ice cream as I wanted.

Physical sight is important to all of us as we use our eyes every waking minute. Our spiritual sight or vision is even more important. I read this saying: “Poor eyes limit your sight; poor vision limits your deeds.” Cataract surgery should help my physical sight, but what about my spiritual vision. What do we see as important in that area? Am I interested in knowing God’s plan for my life? What is that plan? How do I know if it’s God’s plan? Vision is a discovery of God’s plan as it relates to our life.

I believe the only way to know God’s plan for us is to know God and know of his love for me and his love for the world. Then I look at the gifts he has given me and use those gifts to demonstrate God’s love by showing love for others. Now I know that some of us believe we don’t have gifts. WRONG!! We all have gifts (according to the Bible) and they are not the same. I see so many gifts being used to encourage people and to show the love of Jesus. It may be a goodie made for someone, a card of encouragement, a visit, being a friend, a ride, a word of advice, a hug, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, cleaning at church, caring for someone, sending flowers, praying for someone, making a meal, sitting with someone in silence, being an example, caring for someone who is ill, a phone call, playing a game with someone, making quilts, fixing something, having coffee with someone, helping someone move, a smile, holding a door open, or a hundred different ways we can share God’s love with others. When we share these gifts we demonstrate God’s love—that love shown to us by Jesus as our Savior. Now is a great time to share God’s love.

So seeing is important in a physical sense as well as our spiritual sense. I want to have a vision of what God wants from me and for me. This song shares my vision:

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best thought, by day or by night
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light
Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true word
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise
Thou mine inheritance, now and always
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart
High King of Heaven, my treasure Thou art
High King of Heaven, my victory won
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heav’n’s Sun
Heart of my own heart, whate’er befall
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all

When you think of vision—think of your vision for your life.

George H. Bonnema

Significant news from General Synod 2018:  On Saturday, June 9, General Synod approved Eddy Alemán as general secretary of the RCA by voice vote. The role of general secretary includes casting vision for the denomination and overseeing implementation of its mission.

General Synod delegates passed a recommendation to form a 2020 Vision Group proposed Friday morning, June 8, by Don Poest, interim general secretary.

Since then, members of the 2020 Vision Group have been selected in response to the General Synod 2018 recommendation that a vision group be formed to research and identify strategies and consequences for three possible scenarios for the future of the RCA:

1. staying together
2. radical reconstituting and reorganization
3. a grace-filled separation.

Per the recommendation, one specific option the group will consider is for the RCA to be a single denomination with three or more affinity assemblies within it.

The recommendation originated as a proposal by then-interim general secretary Don Poest, who suggested the vision group in response to his assessment of deep division in the denomination.

Members of the group were named by Poest and general secretary Eddy Alemán, in consultation with the General Synod Council (GSC), and were chosen to reflect the wide diversity of the RCA, including all regional synods and racial/ethnic councils.

On Monday, June 11, General Synod directed the general secretary to write a letter to the United States president strongly supporting immigration reform and DACA and urged congregations to advocate for legislation that supports immigration reform and DACA at the local level.

The Commission on Christian Action originally brought the recommendation to synod, but retracted it instead of presenting it for a vote. Then, during their report, a motion from the floor brought the recommendation back before delegates. Some delegates expressed discomfort with the general secretary writing a letter to the president about a political issue.

“I personally do not want this body writing a letter for me,” elder delegate Glenn Emmert said. “There’s so much involved in this. … I don’t feel comfortable having our general secretary write this.”

Others, like GSC member and corresponding delegate Anna Jackson, voiced support for the recommendation.

“Too long, I believe the church has been silent to many of the injustices that are happening in our country,” said Jackson. “We need to find our voice. It is within our authority. The report does have something to say when it comes to justice issues. I think it’s high time that we do make a statement.”

General Synod voted on Monday, June 11, to commend an instructional, question-and-answer document on marriage and sexuality to all RCA churches and classes. Known as the Great Lakes Catechism on Marriage and Sexuality, the document consists of 19 questions and answers and is written in a conversational format similar to the Heidelberg Catechism (see document on the RCA website).

Responding to overtures from two classes and a regional synod about commending or adopting the document, the Advisory Committee on Overtures and New Business made a recommendation to “commend the Great Lakes Catechism on Marriage and Sexuality for reflection, study, and response by the Commission on Theology and RCA churches and classes as a means of deepening our understanding of the biblical teaching on human sexuality and finding a pathway forward toward unity in mission and ministry.”

Several amendments were debated that would have restricted distribution until the Commission on Theology could study and respond to the document, but in the end none were approved and synod voted 134-90 to approve the original recommendation.

For more insights into this year’s General Synod, check out www.rca.org.

May your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,

Mike Altena

I was one of the lucky kids who grew up in the same community as all of her grandparents. There were many hugs, treats, and so many fun times together as I ponder the memories of growing up. Each Sunday we would visit one side of the family or the other for afternoon coffee. I’d play with my cousins, and run around the family farms exploring all they had to offer. After Grandpa and Grandma Stoel moved to town, my siblings and I would walk to their house after catechism and Sunday School to get our fix of molasses cookies and “Grandma’s Nectar” (a.k.a. juice). Grandma, with an incredible gift of hospitality, was always preparing something sweet to serve her guests. Just thinking about it makes me crave my favorite treats she made with love.

Grandparents are special people and each of mine hold a very special place in my heart. I was well into my thirties when I lost my first grandparent and my own three children have been fortunate to know seven of their eight great-grandparents. Last week Saturday evening I received news my Grandpa Stoel had passed away. Sudden, yes; but it was evident his nearly ninety year old body was failing in recent weeks, so not completely unexpected.

Each of my sweet, loving grandparents has left a mark on my life. They leave a legacy of many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. However, something even more incredible than 37 great-grandchildren under the age of 17, is the legacy of faith they have left with each of us. Each of my grandparents carefully helped my parents raise me to know my Creator. Not a meal went by without teaching me who had ultimately provided us with it; not a day passed without thanking God for another day on this earth; and not a prayer of blessing was missed for each of the tiny children they held in their arms.

The scripture Grandpa chose for his funeral is found in 2 Timothy chapter 2 verse 3. “Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” At first I found it to be an odd selection, but after reading it and the verses surrounding it again, it summed up all that he was for in this life rather well. When Paul wrote this letter he was challenging Timothy to continue to spread the Gospel of Christ at all cost. Timothy would need to have discipline, train hard and endure all things for the sake of letting all know of the Savior.

My Grandpa knew his Savior and with each day he set out to instill in his children (and his children’s children) right from wrong, teach them of Jesus, and make sure they knew the many promises the Lord has given each of us. Together my grandparents endured the pain of losing a son in a tragic accident, and both were challenged with a few health ordeals over the years. Though Grandpa was perhaps a bit rough around the edges at times, the quiet and gentle whisper of his Savior was spoken through words and actions, and a reflection of his faith was found in the things he stood firmly for.

Hebrews 12:1 says “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” I thank God for all witnesses of my faith; both those tucked in the Bible and those I’ve been blessed with in my lifetime here on earth.

So as I reflect on the many memories of my Grandpa, I am left with the thought of what will my legacy look like when I am laid to rest one day. We each have one to leave, after all, and ultimately only we can determine if it points in the direction of our Savior.

Becky Ossefoort

This week many of us will celebrate the 4th of July holiday with some fireworks, camping, activities at the lake, or a family get-together. There is an abundance of options for the extra day off from work, but picnics are my favorite. Not only do they provide a connection with family and friends, but there seems to be a never ending supply of delicacies that tempt my tummy. Grilled meats, fruit salads, veggies, homemade pies, chips, dips… all spread before my eyes on a gingham draped picnic table. There is just one problem with a feast like this: no regular plate will do. I can deal with foam, Tupperware, Chinet, plastic, or paper, but no matter what the plate is made of, it must have compartments. It is a gross misdemeanor to have a sweet, fruit salad nestled up against a spicy taco salad, or even worse, salty condiments finding their way onto Grandma’s homemade pie. And who wants their salad dressing making a soggy mess of their bun? Yuck! I know that it all goes to the same place, but I like the things I put in my mouth to be separate from each other. I don’t want one flavor to overlap another.

We tend to do the same thing with our lives. We isolate and divide. We separate our space, desiring our own bedroom, our own bathroom, our own vehicle, and our own office space. We divide our commitments, not wanting our job to interfere with our family time, or our kids to interfere with “me” time. We segregate our loyalties and don’t want political views and spiritual beliefs to overlap and get messy. Everything is easiest if we can keep it compartmentalized and evenly distributed.

But God isn’t big on compartments, he’s a God of wholeness. He wants our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Not one piece, once in a while. He wants all of us all the time. He can’t be contained to Sunday morning and Wednesday nights. He doesn’t just fit our schedules on Christmas Eve and Easter morning. He is God yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He is God at church, at our workplace, at the bar, at the playground, at the prison, at the hospital, at home.

Philippians 1:27 says “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” It doesn’t excuse our words and actions when someone cuts us off in traffic, or when it’s been a long week and we just need to unwind, or when we just need a bit of sunshine and the rain to stop, or when the kids are driving us nuts. We are called to live our lives completely connected to Jesus Christ. No matter what. No divisions. No compartments. No categories.

In the 86th Psalm, David prays these words: “Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name”. David knows the aimless tendencies of the human heart. He asks God to unify and inhabit all areas of his life. May the same be said of us.

So go ahead and separate your pickles and your pie. Keep your pudding away from your pasta. But don’t try to keep your spiritual life separate from the rest of your life. Let God’s love for you and your gratitude to him flow and mingle and affect everything that you think, say, and do.

Erin Jacobsma