[Tweet “”A baby is born with a need to be loved . . . and never outgrows it.” ~Frank A. Clark, The Country Parson”] Everyone is born with an inherent need to be loved . . . this complex feeling that’s hard to explain. From first inhale to final exhale and beyond you and I were created for love….
You may know the A.C.T.S. prayer model. A. = Adoration C. = ConfessionT. = ThanksgivingS. = Supplication I like this model, but I like the one I learned as a child better. We don’t use the word supplication very often, and I’m not sure many people know what it means. Supplication is defined as: a “humble prayer…
He waits and watches from the porch of a small cottage. I don’t know why I don’t picture Him in front of a grand majestic palace. I just don’t. He smiles and runs toward me with arms open wide as I approach. This prodigal God greeting His prodigal daughter. And I’m home. The word prodigal means:…
Life and death situations. One after another. Hard days. Long nights. Our year of intense prayer . . . the before, during, and after. July 2006 – He was gone longer than usual. 30 minute power walks 5 times a week were normal. They had been for 26 years. But this time he came home…
We know God’s love is perfect, unfailing, and forever. We know He loves people. All people. God our Savior, wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For . . . there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave His life to purchase freedom for everyone. 1 Timothy 2:4–6…
To be known is to be loved. To be loved is to be known. If you missed the video . . . To Be Known is To Be Loved take a minute and watch it here. You are known and loved.The last two days we’ve rested in the truth that God knows us and loves us….
Last year, I wrote: I was born a people-pleaser. I can’t remember a time in life when I wasn’t anxious about keeping the important people in my life happy. Disapproval was all the discipline I needed. I “danced!” I used well-practiced steps to earn and keep approval. But dancing is exhausting and impossible. The most difficult times were…
Multiple studies suggest this one thing can improve your life and emotional well-being and your physical health. It strengthens relationships, creates feelings of satisfaction and contentment, and can even help you cope with stress. What is it? Gratitude Did you know all the ways being thankful could bless you? Not to mention the blessings for those…
Photo Credit The following story took place on Christmas Eve 1914: I Shall Never Forget It: 100 Years Since Christmas Eve Truce With British and German forces separated only by a no-man’s land littered with fallen comrades, sounds of a German Christmas carol suddenly drifted across the frigid air. “It was a beautiful moonlit night,…
Awe is the overwhelming feeling of reverence, respect, fear, and wonder produced by that which is grand, sublime, or extremely powerful. Awe = wonder & respect mixed with fear. Not fear that hides, but bows in humble reverence. Questions – We have this one life. I wonder if we’ve turned it on its head? Who or what do we revere? Who…
This week we’re getting ready for Jesus . . . the celebration of His birth and His victorious return. The following quotes and verses will help us focus on being ready today for forever. Quotes and Verses to Help You Get Ready “Realize that illness and other temporal setbacks often come to us from the…
I spent yesterday morning at the dentist and the DMV . . . not my favorite. Just a couple of places I hate to wait. Do you know the worst places to wait? 10 Worst Places To Be Stuck Waiting Airports Fast Food Places Hospitals Department of Motor Vehicles (Looks like I’m not alone.) Concession Stands Restrooms Theme Parks…
Last week I shared a post about my struggle with people-pleasing titled: When I Stopped Dancing. Kim at Sweet Water and Bitter left the following comment that I believe is a great lead in to continue the conversation. Deb, I always find that “people-pleasing” mentality very interesting, only because I was never that way AT ALL. (Stick…
“You know the quote, “You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you can’t fool all the people all of the time.” ~Abraham Lincoln It’s also true of pleasing people. You can please some people all the time. You may even be able to…
Rev isn’t pastoring a congregation at the moment, but he has in the past. We know what it’s like to lead a group of people with varying personalities and opinions. We know what it’s like to have someone threaten to leave for exactly the opposite reasons that someone else is threatening to leave. If you’re…
How is your impulse control? What rules do you follow? Are any of them non-negotiable? Would you like people to respect you more? Would you like to respect yourself more? Good news! It’s not too late. It’s never too late. You can take steps to strengthen your character. “Character” is defined as “the inherent complex of attributes that…
I rarely have writer’s block. I can almost always think of something to say. What to write about this third week of September and first week of fall? I thought and prayed, and repeated often . . . and nothing. Then two words came to my heart and mind. “I do.” Do you promise to…
You’ve heard of IQ (intelligence quotient), you may even know your number. You may have heard of EQ (emotional quotient), and like me, you may even believe it’s important. But have you heard of HQ? Hope Quotient I’ll admit that up until about a month ago, I had no clue how to answer the questions: HQ…
God answers the mess of life with one word, “Grace.” ~Max Lucado We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus. Acts 15:11 Shh. Listen. God is whispering grace to you. Huge love. Grace to cover your worst shame. Grace to forgive your worst offense. Enough for you….
For the next seven days I’m taking a challenge to amp up my intentional kindness. So start thinking of ways you might take part in the challenge with me. I recently read a story I’d like to share with you: Burnt Biscuits ~ Author Unknown When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast…
In 2011, the United Nations declared July 30th, International Friendship Day; although most countries celebrate on the first Sunday in August. I think we should celebrate all week! At least, that’s what we’re going to do here at CMB. Celebrate Friendship – 12 Qualities of a True Friend 1. Patient – A true friend understands you’re…
