01 Dec

Posted at 10:00h in Uncategorized

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:6-7 (NIV) Unexpected relatives. Unexpected company. Unexpected anxiety? ‘tis the season! Each year the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years (with Christmas at its heart) represent one of the best opportunities to open your family to others. Examples include extended family, friends, and even college kids who live too far to make it home. But how? Here are three helpful lessons God taught us over the past few years. Lesson #1: Extended family means extending grace When a buddy of mine “Will” (not his real name) lost his job and then a house to live in, he humbly turned to his friends for shelter. Upon learning of Will’s situation, my bride Suzanne sensed God’s call...

01 Nov

Posted at 10:00h in Uncategorized

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 (NIV) Charles Quinton "C.Q." Smith, center, is shown in a photo that ran in the Chambersburg Public Opinion in 2002. The Boy Scouts of America honored him for 53 years of service. He served as the scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 127 from 1966 to 1991. A longtime scoutmaster stands accused of monstrous crimes. And something like a bomb exploded in my heart. Why? Because this scoutmaster was my childhood scoutmaster, a man and mentor I’ve known for nearly 40 years: Charles Quinton “C.Q.” Smith. C.Q. Smith first taught me the Boy Scout Oath which begins like this: On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God…. As a then 11 year-older learning the Scout Oath in 1981, I had no idea how my duty to God would impact me as an adult. Over those nearly...