• Sin & Repentance

    Sinful Silence

    Talking with someone about an apparent sin or temptation has to be one of the most difficult things to do in all of life. It’s one thing to do so in a conciliation case when you’re serving as a mediator. It can still be difficult, of course, but the people have invited you into their lives to serve you in this way (either by opening a case or being bound by a conciliation clause in a contract), so it’s a little more doable. But what about when it has to do with a parenting concern? (Dum DUMMMM! Cue scary music.) Who am I to speak with this person about how…

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    Thinking of Teachers Who Make a Difference

    Yet again, what “is known” (by whom?) as the “most forwarded poem ever” (the numbers of such a descriptor boggle the mind, don’t they?) has completely slipped past me until this morning. But I can see why it’s earned such a moniker. And listening to it brought me immediately back to Mrs. Adams 3rd grade class at Cork El, Mr. Fiske and Dr. Lambrecht conducting us in band, Dr. Charmian Poe scaring the living life out of me (but making me able not only to write a paper but also NEVER misuse its and it’s again. Ever.). Thinking back on teachers in my life, I thanked God for Mrs. Miller…

  • Sin & Repentance

    Worst Enemy for a Pastor

    Challies.com linked to an excellent post over at HeadHeartHand—Leadership for Servants: The Pastor’s Worst Enemy Although particularly directed at pastors, his insights into the consequences and the cure are helpful for all  of us. Plus, this brief article gives us some great reminders for encouraging and praying for our own pastors. (And thanking God for leaders who lead with genuine humility and servant hearts.)  

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    Easiest Way to Evangelize Your Neighborhood

    Would you please pray for my friend, A.B., this week as she is taking her family through the “Peacemaker Clubs VBS” with the hopes of (possibly) serving her neighborhood by hosting a “backyard club” sometime in the future? This is the second friend I know who has done this, and I really want to keep on encouraging you all to consider the Peacemaker Clubs for your church’s evangelism and VBS ministries. It really is a particularly “easy” way to reach out to your neighbors: (Knock knock knock.) “Hi. My name is Tara. I’m from Rocky Mountain Community Church and this week we’re hosting a free vacation Bible school program on…

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    Skiing & “Big Fred”

    Who knew there was a run at Red Lodge Mountain called “Big Fred”? Not I, said the little red hen. But Soph and Fred had a great day skiing yesterday and sent me this photo mid-day: Ella and I had a nice, quiet day together. And I did make some progress on the school room chaos, so that’s great. One step at a time, right? Hope you have a relaxing Saturday as you prepare for worship tomorrow.   Blessings, Tara B.  

  • Singleness & Marriage

    One For Better and Worse …

    Fred and I are hoping to attend the 2010 CCEF Conference this November: One For Better and Worse Three great men from our own little church in Billings will be serving during the pre-conference sessions. And I’m so hoping that CCEF might grant me the joy of live blogging the event for them again. That was such a blast! (My LiveBlogs from their 2008 conference on Addictions continue to receive consistent replays. You can read them here if you are interested. I also LiveBlogged Jerram Barrs’ Plenary Sessions at this year’s PCA Women’s Leadership Conference if you’d like to check them out too.)   Off to get the grandparents now!…