“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8, NIV) Setting: The Garden of Eden. Today’s target: Eve. Consequences: Potential fatality for all humanity. Satan slithered up and spoke with a simple,…
Category: Faith
Grace Wins
“But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 (NIV, emphasis mine) I cannot believe this is a struggle, I thought as I quietly listened. I knew her story. I knew she had an immense Biblical background. She had many family…
Rock of Refuge
Where’s your happy place? The place where you can go when life gets to be too much? The place you go to get a break? The place where you feel safe? Maybe you are thinking of a special place: the beach, the mountains, or maybe like me, Grandma’s house. Growing up, I was blessed to…
A Joyful Noise
“An instrument fitting,” I asked our fifth-grade daughter. “What is that?” “It’s where I get to try out the instruments to determine which I would like to play in band,” she patiently explained to her uninitiated mom. “Plus, I already know a bit of piano although the teachers say we don’t have to have any…
Perseverance, Not Control
Wearily I dropped into bed. Not only physically exhausted, but emotional exhausted as well. Physical mountains to conquer and multitudes of concerns weighted my heart. Lord, where is that light at the end of the tunnel? Why can’t I find it? I bet you too know that feeling well. Maybe you too have carried a…
Time for Jesus = Abundant Life
Life. Is. Crazy. I don’t need to tell you – I’m sure you could tell me! So much to do, so little time. Ever have your mind refuse to turn off? Mentally scrolling through that to-do list, wondering how it will ever all get done? When will I find joy and peace in the everyday?…
It was Redeemed
“I was blessed by having cancer,” I often tell others. No, I would not have authored it. Oh, I pray I never repeat it. Yes, God did the impossible: He brought good from it. While the “good He brought from it” could be segmented into many categories, today I will share one: God can be…
Intermission
Life. Can. Be Tough. You know it. I know it. We’ve all live in those moments. Some of those moments in my life include: a stage III cancer diagnosis, a job loss, and one of my children fighting for her life. My list goes on. I bet you can identify with and add on to…
Taming the Tongue
My eyes widened in surprise as my face flamed. Usually even-tempered, the hot heat in my cheeks was almost visible to me. I was furious. Oh, did I ever have a ready retort, waiting to roll off my tongue. I had never been so angry. Or hurt. I was justified, any jury would agree, God…
All Grown Up?
The disappointment swam in her eyes behind the small, plastic smile. I’d had to say “no”. I tried to explain, but how many teens maturely comprehend why a mom says ‘no?’ She quickly ascended the stairs to her room. She respectfully didn’t stamp or stomp. She didn’t huff and puff. She didn’t slam the doors…