Just look at a group of teen girls. They are probably all dressed alike, with similar hairstyles, and the same brand of purses thrown over their shoulders. Because we want to fit in. We want to be liked. Everyone knows popular is better than unpopular. Stop. What if you were made to be different? You were….
In 2011, the United Nations declared July 30th, International Friendship Day; although most countries celebrate on the first Sunday in August. I think we should celebrate all week! At least, that’s what we’re going to do here at CMB. Celebrate Friendship – 12 Qualities of a True Friend 1. Patient – A true friend understands you’re…
Have you ever watched an episode of Hoarders? I used to have a dream that I lived in a huge house full of doors, many of which were locked. I often wondered what it meant. The Lord whispered that the doors represented rooms of my heart that I kept locked from Him. Those secret hidden…
It’s Weed Out Hate Day – How Will You Celebrate? I hate hate. It’s defined as extreme aversion or hostility toward someone or something. Like love, hate is described as a feeling. Like love, hate is a choice. April 3rd is the day to “weed out hate, ” and sow seeds of peace and kindness. The Weed…
You want to give them a boot in the behind, but you know that’s probably not the answer. So, how do you deal with a church bully? 8 Ways to Deal with a Church Bully: 1. Ignore Them – I know of a leader who responds to bullying comments with, “Thank you, you might be…
In 1993, the United States Congress requested the first proclamation: Resolved by the Senate and House of Repre- sentatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That January 16, 1993, is designated as “Religious Freedom Day,” and the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclama- tion calling on the people of…
Jesus life was an example of humility and love. We are called to follow His example not just His teachings. It’s easy to misunderstand the truth about humility and love, because it’s too easy to make everything about us. So as we prepare for our Savior’s humble birth, let’s look at some quotes and verses…
Waiting for an answer to prayer is hard. Waiting a long time for an answer to prayer is harder. Waiting a long time by yourself for an answer to prayer is hardest. Sometimes it seems like no one keeps anything private anymore. Between Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram it’s easy to feel like everyone shares everything. But…
Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me. Psalm 41:9 Have you ever trusted someone who later betrayed you? It hurts. It really hurts. Down deep at your core it hurts. And the closer the relationship – the greater the pain. Relationships need trust! They…
As you organize, prep, and purchase for the new school nothing you do is more important than adding a covering of prayer. For many praying for their children and grandchildren is second nature, but praying for teachers and friends is equally important. As is praying for God-given wisdom for ourselves as we guide our kiddos through…
“The family. We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another’s desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that…
Whether it’s a pipe organ or praise band, chanting liturgies or repeated choruses . . . everyone has an opinion of the “right” way to do “church.” And we don’t just bark at and bite each other over service styles, we get hot with our different understanding of points of theology and condemn those who…
The purpose of life is a life of purpose. ~Robert Byrne Blessed is the people of whom this is true; blessed is the people whose God is the Lord. Psalm 144:14 Selfishness is not living as one wishes to live, it is asking others to live as one wishes to live. ~ Oscar Wilde
Did you know hope is a synonym for encouragement? When encouragement is shared; hope is given. Before we get to today’s activity, be encouraged by the following words. Encouragement Quotes and Verses Commission Joshua and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead the people across the Jordan. He will give them all the land…
When is the last time you smiled when you looked in the mirror? What messages play in your head when you brush your teeth and comb your hair? How long do you beat yourself up when you make a mistake? What do you say to yourself while you’re doing some job you dislike? I would…
It’s popular to trash and ridicule the church. Since we’re in a forgiving mood this month, I thought we should take a couple of days to talk about our issues with the church. What is the church? The contemporary definition of the word church is: 1. Building for public worship 2. Religious institution. The Greek…
Those of you who know how much a hate to exercise might be surprised to learn that there was a time with I was a disciplined walker. Each week day morning began with 30 – 40 minutes of treadmill time. Then I was diagnosed with agitated depression/anxiety, and the side effects of the medication made…
For the next two weeks we’re going to look at intentional gratitude and physical health, specifically diet and exercise. After all, it’s January, everyone is talking food and fitness…. Then why is this such a big deal for me. It should be easy, but it’s not. I feel anxious and vulnerable. Because I have food issues. People…
This all began the morning I posted Three Truths to Make You Bold. I was having trouble sleeping; so, I grabbed my iPad and began reading through my email. One in particular caught my attention and as I read through it I heard the Lord whisper to my heart, “Are you going to be bold…
