A Tribute to Margaret Irene Cookson (1927-2022)

Margaret Irene Cookson, Shirley’s mother, passed away last night on December 6 at Hospice House in Tacoma, Washington. I spent two hours with her before she passed–thanking God that he would soon usher her into the arms of Jesus and a glorious time of reunion. 

Mothers are the most important people on earth–imparting their lives and love to their children and extended family. 

We miss you, Irene. But we know you’ve just experienced the greatest day of your life.

All because of Jesus.

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Thanksgiving: Our American Holy Day

Thanksgiving is a uniquely American “holy day” that arose out of the deep faith of our spiritual ancestors–especially the Pilgrims–who came to these shores in November of 1620. Other nations celebrate it (like Canada to the north), and Israel enjoyed many holidays that were used to give gratitude to God.

But our American Thanksgiving is different. It came primarily from a community of New Testament believers who not only grasped the importance of thanking God in all things, but experienced a providential act they never forgot.

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Real Love

The National Day of Prayer is this Thursday, May 5. I encourage you to spend special time talking to God.

The more you pray, the more you’ll understand God’s burden for people and nations. And you’ll learn that God is love (1 John 4:8).

The world understands little about real love. For some, it is equated with sexual desire and lust. For others, it is a mood that you can fall in or out of. The confusion exists because we’ve separated the definition of love from its author and greatest expression, Jesus Christ.

Love is the key to our 21st century problems. But how must we live it?

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