Encouraging Women to Passionately Pursue God
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him…
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV A few winters ago, I was blessed to travel out of the frigid temperatures, snow and ice to a much more temperate, wonderful…
Outside my door, a cacophony of voices arose from the first floor of the hotel atrium. Seven hundred women excitedly conversed, practiced speeches, pitched proposals, and met one another. Encouragement rang out amidst the conversations. This was a godly Writer’s conference. Upstairs, clad in heels and a suit, I sank onto my hotel bed. In…
Influence. Power. Persuasion. She possessed all three. She also possessed a rare beauty, at least in the eyes of the man who adored her. Without her, he knew he’d lead a lonely existence. He didn’t want to displease, disappoint, or discourage her. He’d do anything to keep her attention, her admiration, and her respect. She…
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3 Glancing out the frosty window, I inwardly groaned. Gray skies, bare trees, and, what-on-earth? Snowflakes! Not already! Not after a cooler than usual summer. Not so close to last…
The call came in: “Get to Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital- that’s where they’re life-flighting her.” Our healthy ten-year-old had just been diagnosed with Type I diabetes, and she was in diabetic ketoacidosis. This was a life-threatening emergency! While en route on the 200 mile trip, I tried to process this life-altering diagnosis. As a nurse, I…
Christmas Day is over. Maybe like me, you still have lots of celebrating to do, but the greatest festivities are finished. As I sit quietly during the pre-dawn hours the day after Christmas, I thoughtfully reflect. I adore the stillness of my living room; with only the tree lights glowing and a balsam candle scenting…
“The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you,’” Luke 1:28 NIV Startled, young Mary was scared at the sudden appearance of an angel. She hadn’t received a written notice of Gabriel’s impending arrival. Her mother probably never instructed her on how to entertain angels. Mary…
Black Friday! The holiday season is in full swing! Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming. Does the thought of the approaching holidays increase your blood pressure? So much to plan, to do, trying to keep everyone content, all the while maintaining the reason for the season? Maybe you, like me, have to fight a feeling…
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 NIV This week, those of us in the United States will celebrate Thanksgiving. We remember what the Pilgrims did, thanking God for seeing them through their first year here in their settlement. …