Dearly Beloved, Blisters-they are the unwelcome travel companions we would all rather avoid. Whether caused by friction from shoes, a burn, or even prolonged pressure, they are a small yet painful reminder of the wear and tear our bodies endure when we have pushed them beyond the limits. A blister might seem like just a…
Posts by Julia Cuan (Page 2)
Dear Saints of Valley Church, Over the past few weeks, we have been climbing what Pastor Glen rightly described as the Mount Everest of Christianity by beholding the supremacy of Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:15-20) and its implications for our lives (Colossians 1:21-23). This week, in Colossians 1:24-2:5, we will see that none of us will…
Dear Saints of Valley Church, The process of unpacking boxes after a move can be a tiring (and seemingly endless) process. However, looking through the contents of some of these boxes has provided an opportunity to revisit many cherished memories as we find new display locations for our pictures or artwork from our boys. Two…
Dearly Beloved, I just received an email from one of our precious saints here at Valley. The question was, “Hi Glen, what do you do when you are afraid?” How would you have responded? What do you do when panic, worry, anxiety, and serious concerns come upon you out of the blue? I sent an…
In the fall of 1981, I decided to go to San Jose Bible College for one year. As a relatively new Christian, I figured it would be a good investment in my future regardless of what vocation I chose. One afternoon I was playing some 2 on 2 full court basketball with the dean of…
Dear Saints of Valley Church, There is an old church joke about a Sunday School teacher who was using squirrels as an illustration for their children’s class. She asked, “What lives in trees, eats nuts, and has a long, bushy tail?” One of the children answered, “Well, it sounds like a squirrel, but the answer…
Dear Saints of Valley Church, For millions of Americans, this Sunday will be defined by the Super Bowl, where one team will become the 2025 NFL champions. They will have the honor of holding the Vince Lombardi Trophy and will soon have the honor of displaying their 2025 championship rings that will forever signify the…
In my early years of ministry, I discipled a young man of extraordinary athletic ability. It didn’t matter what sport he tried; he excelled in all of them. He was stronger, quicker, and better at any sport than anyone I knew. He truly was a “gifted” individual. In Luke 19:11-27 Jesus tells the story of…
Dear Friends, I was 12 years old when I first heard a song by the Platters entitled, “The Great Pretender!” It was so popular that it made it to number 1 on “American Bandstand.” Oh yes, (oh yes) I’m the great (the great) pretender Yes, pretending that I’m doing well Yes, my need (my need)…
Some of you know my mom and dad, Jack and Jo Popjes. His latest book was just published and it covers our family’s life with the Canela people in the Amazon Valley area of Brazil. He tells of a letter they received in 1967 from Ireland when they were just starting their work. “Dear Brother…