Yesterday, I wrote about my need to “dance” to make people happy. I’m not just talking people pleasing, this was a deeply felt belief that I was responsible for their happiness. Thankfully, God help me understand that I was putting impossible expectations on myself and others. I’ve learned the best way to spread happiness is to be happy;…
God promises peace in His presence. Here is a collection of 25 verses that will bless you with the promise of peace. When stressors increase and anxiety levels rise . . . I turn to God’s Word. He promises that in His presence we will find peace that goes beyond our ability to understand. Peace…
I wrote something else for today, but I’m going to save that as I have something else on my heart and mind that I need to share with you. My Bible Reading yesterday morning began with these words from Max Lucado’s book, Traveling Light: “The LORD will do what He thinks is right.” 1 Chronicles 19:13 Righteousness…
No more hiding behind the image of pseudo-perfection. I was a mess. Embarrassingly so. I needed answers, but even more than answers I needed help, comfort, peace, and hope. I needed God. Not a deal or a bargain for a life that looks good, but the real living presence of God. That was the beginning of…
“A true friend knows your weaknesses but shows you your strengths; feels your fears but fortifies your faith; sees your anxieties but frees your spirit; recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities.” ~William Arthur Ward Are you blessed with good friends? People who believe in you, encourage you, and point you toward hope when you don’t…
You make goals and plans. You set high bars for yourself and your children. But what does it take to make those things happen? To be successful? “Four steps to achievement: Plan purposefully. Prepare prayerfully. Proceed positively. Pursue persistently.” ~William Arthur Ward An achievement is the successful completion of an accomplishment either by hard work,…
Last week I wrote my Personal Mission Statement. In a nutshell my mission is – Love the Lord God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength and love my neighbor as I love myself.Mark 12:30–31 I used to love from a place of weakness and fear. What do I mean? I believed I had to keep the people I loved…
My dad celebrated his 90th birthday last month. And it made me wonder, if I should be blessed to celebrate nine decades . . . what would people say about me? Do I live my beliefs and values? Do I live intentionally? These question inspired me to work on my personal mission statement . . . a brief…
Do you know anyone who shares their faith through rules, judgments, accusations, and arguments. Do you? Christians who go around “looking like they were baptized in pickle juice” rarely make someone want to join the flock of the faith-filled. On the other hand, have you ever met a believer who has inspired you to want a closer relationship with Jesus. Who’s love,…
“You size people up and write them off, walk away, or refuse to listen. We all do it. But if the sin of others doesn’t break your heart, it’s probably because your heart has never been broken over your own sin. Self-righteousness is the thing Jesus despised most. Judge not.” ~Andy Stanley Jesus despised self-righteous…
“The best film of the year.”— Kyle Smith, New York Post EXPERIENCE THE SNIPER NICKNAMED “LEGEND”IN AMERICAN SNIPERNow available on BLU-RAY™ COMBO PACK, DVD and DIGITAL HDFROM WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT “American Sniper” stars Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle, whose skills as a sniper made him a hero on the battlefield. But there was much more…
“It’s not fair!” True! Life’s not fair. We want fair. We want equal. Although, it’s perfectly okay if our family is a little more equal. We want someone to fix poverty. Homeless people make us uncomfortable. We walk down city streets where those with hand outstretched wait for someone to help and we join others in walking…
You and I will worship something. We were created to worship. The question is… Who or what will we worship? Important Quotes and Verses “You cannot divide human beings into those who worship and those who don’t. Everybody worships; it’s just a matter of what or whom.” ~Paul David Praise be to the God and Father…
“The time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23–24 Is this one of those verses you…
If some have cause to celebrate, join in the celebration. Romans 12:15a (Voice) I’m joining the celebration. My dad turns 90 on Wednesday. So I’m in Florida getting ready for a Happy Birthday Party. I’m blessed. Dad still … drives a Mustang convertible, serves at his church, enjoys time with friends, and best of all,…
God says “no.” Now what? What are you supposed to do when you feel like God is the One who allowed your broken heart? It is your heart’s desire. And the Bible says,… Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires. Psalm 37:4 But for reasons beyond your ability to understand…
You loved big and now you’re left hurt and angry. Yesterday we talked about surviving rejection, but the truth is Jesus didn’t tell us to simply survive . . . He told us to forgive and love. “I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live…
Who didn’t love you? Ten years ago yesterday my heart crumbled. Love refused. Relationship rejected. Maybe your heart was broken by your crush in school. Maybe your parent. Your friend. Your spouse. Your child. It’s impossible to get through life without a broken heart. Unfortunately we can’t make everyone love us. There will be someone or someones who won’t return our love….
“I’ll never be a non-stumbler. I’ll be a forgiven stumbler, but never a non-stumbler.” ~Toby Mac Picture this… Yesterday was one of those days you stumbled so badly that you stumbled into bed relieved it was over. You wanted to “shake it off” like Taylor Swift, or “let it go” like Elsa; but the stumbles were huge. You said…
Studies have shown that doing things for others blesses the giver as well as the recipient. Want increased happiness? Go out and help someone. Research shows that helping others: 1. Increases self-confidence. 2. Combats depression. 3. Generates happiness. 4. Develops patience. 5. Teaches resilience. 6. Improves stress management. [Tweet “We could almost help others for purely selfish motives.”] But. Let’s…
He is risen indeed! Hallelujah! Look closer – Come to the Empty Grave Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and…
