Caryn & Jeremy in the Morning

Dear Jeff & Rebecca,

I recently went to a friend’s garage sale where I found a piece of art that I liked. My friend sold it to me for $5 because it just gathering dust in her attic. Part of me wanted to do research on the artist since I really liked it and I actually found out that this art piece is worth $5,000. I, of course, sold the painting but my dilemma is should I share the money with her or keep it for myself? I can’t imagine that my friend knew how much it was worth when she sold it to me.

What do you think?

There are so many mistakes to be made when it comes to dating and relationships. And often, we learn, grow and heal from those mistakes. But there are also times when mistakes we make can be detrimental. And often, the worst of mistakes are ones that can easily be avoided with a little guidance, wisdom, and planning ahead. Here are some of the most common dating mistakes across the board; mistakes that can be avoided if we know ourselves, set our boundaries and take our time along the way.

Yesterday was a hard day for Rebecca's son Nick's class as a child tragically and suddenly lost their dad. Since the funeral took place yesterday, Rebecca has been looking over scripture and found something incredible that we need to know in the midst of all this.

As Christians, we have something that no one else in the world can rightfully claim and that is security.1 Peter 1:3-9 says: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this, you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:3-9)

It's this passage that reminds us that death is, in fact, a bad thing, but it's not the worst thing. It's certainly terrible, but it's only temporary. We have a living hope in something that is certain because Christ has already died for our sins and risen from the dead! That's what we're celebrating this week as Easter is this Sunday that Christ rose 3 days later after the crucifixion and defeated death!

Even in the midst of our deepest grief, our blackest night, the truth of the Gospel breaks through in a brilliant ray of light. Your troubles, pain, and grief have an expiration date.

If you don't know yet, it is Jeff's birthday today! The crazy thing is that it's also his 24th wedding anniversary and Tax Day! Even at the ripe age of 54, Jeff says he feels great! We'll see how his "couch to 5 Guys" diet regimen goes before we make any further observations. ;)

Dear Jeff & Rebecca,

This may not necessarily be a personal dilemma but I know it's a hotly debated topic so I'm just going to go right out and ask: is it okay to wear leggings in church?

What do you think?

Life is busy. Marco Polo works when you have a moment to talk, even if your schedules don’t match. Talk when you’re on the go, between appointments, whenever it’s convenient for you. Your friend can watch in real time or later. Unlike other video apps, you don’t need to be live.

Connection is so important, but it is so often overlooked and there are few resources available to teach people how to foster real connection in their lives. But there are a few essential ideas that can help.

Finland has a strong social safety net and longstanding traditions and distinct styles of living that foster and promote joy — even in bad weather.

Grades are an important thing, but they’re not the MOST important thing. The school uses grades to measure your success, but your father and I do not.We care more about your character. Success in our house looks like kindness, compassion, and grace. Success looks like loving your friends, your family, and even your enemies. Success looks like respecting your authorities. It looks like approaching your work with excellence and taking pride in what you’ve done.It’s important that you DO your best, but it is not at all important that you BE the best. In life, there will always be someone taller, stronger, and more talented. But you are the only you that God created. Until the year you were born, there had never been a “you” before, with your exact DNA, fingerprints, talents, and gifts. And when you’re gone, there will never be another “you.” You are the only “you” who ever existed.It’s the same for you and me.The world uses achievements to measure your success, but your Heavenly Father does not.

Dear Jeff & Rebecca,My wife and I have been divorced for just over two years—no need to go into why. We share custody, which means our children are back and forth between our houses equally. Both of my children say they want to live permanently with me, although they won’t give a concrete reason why. When it’s time to go back to their mother’s they become extremely anxious. I have no idea how to handle this. Can any of your listeners help?