” If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 NIV At ten years old, Ella was a lovely girl with high standards. She was enthusiastic and energetic. Her mom wasn’t surprised when she asked for permission…
Author: stefanielynn3@gmail.com
Starting Success With Failure
““For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV “Lord, why did I ever think I should attempt this?” Sara desperately prayed as she stared at the computer screen before her. Why on…
Lifting Leidy
“ and a little child will lead them.” Isaiah 11:6b Six-year-old Colette sat coloring at the kitchen table. She loved the feel of the markers in her hands. She loved the broad stripes of color she created with each stroke. And, she loved these oversized coloring sheets featuring her favorite character: Hello Kitty. As she decided on her…
The Perfect Ten
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23 NIV As I settled myself onto the cold, hard, gray bleachers, I chose to ignore the prevalent smell of perspiration. Once again, I was at the gym. I watched the gymnasts of varying abilities. The…
Totally Trustworthy!
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 She eased into the school desk, wiping her auburn hair from face. Whew! She’d slid into her seat just seconds before the bell sounded. Arranging her text-book and notebook on her desk, she glanced forward as she took her pencil in hand. Her…
I Knew I Knew
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10 Stormily, I stared out the window as trees, fields, and flowers flashed by. My husband sat beside me, in screaming silence, occasionally revving the engine as he switched gears. “Speak to him. Reach out your hand,” the words…
Garden of ‘Even,’ Part II
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15 Sin had officially entered the world. With all its pomp and circumstance came changes, lots of changes. But God was ready with a plan. Psalm…
Garden of ‘Even,’ Part I
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” I Peter 5:8 Have you ever been furious with your circumstances, or maybe your consequences of a not-so-stellar decision? Maybe you vowed to get even. And maybe you vindictively vowed to strike against what…
Distracting Silence
“Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.” Isaiah 55:3 NIV Closing the door with a bang, her feet flew down the path, fleeing frustration, fear, and soon-to-be folly. As she rounded the bend, the beautiful…
Living in Peace
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” Psalm 133:1 It had happened again. Two sisters had provoked one another, each mentally, and audibly blaming the other for the felt animosity between them. Never min,d neither of these sisters was over thirty, twenty, or even thirteen. I see the very…