Where do you go and what do you do when you are lonely? Loneliness is considered a state of mind … a feeling of undesired isolation or insufficient connection, whether alone or in a crowd. New moms, students at a new school, newly diagnosed patients, new widows and widowers, recently divorced, and empty nesters are…
Self-love can be defined as anything from the proper regard for and attention to one’s own well-being to inflated love or pride a.k.a. narcissism. Wikipedia says it can be considered a basic human necessity or a moral flaw. Psych Central focuses on the positive saying… “Self-love means that you accept yourself fully, treat yourself with…
Whenever I see something about this on social media, I wonder how many people know the truth about submission. I’d like you to imagine for a minute that you’ve arranged everything so you can be away from your family overnight. You drive to the retreat center, check in, and greet your friends when you find…
When was the last time your senses made you more aware of the goodness of God? God gave us senses to experience all that He created more fully. Hearing, sight, smell, taste, and touch are all ways to take in the world around us. And it fascinates me how often my emotions are triggered by…
It’s not easy to trust God’s love when He says “no” to our wants and desires. I can remember how frustrated I would get as a child when… I just wanted to lay on the couch and watch TV but my dad insisted I cut the grass or wash the car. Of course, practicing the…
How much time do you spend remembering? I still remember the Sunday morning Rev began our Bible Class by looking at me and asking… “Do you remember…” Before he had time to finish the question, I quipped, “I don’t know, did I cry?” The group burst into laughter as they knew me well … I’m…
When the sun is shining and life is perfect we’re less likely to believe we need God’s help. When our days are comfortable and happy, it’s easy to feel self-sufficient and confident. If you’re like me, you may even have a short list of things you’re convinced you can handle independently. Minor things God has…
Have you ever read or heard something that completely changed your worldview and how you live your life? It may have been a word about… We get information through books, articles, friends, teachers, “experts,” and internet searches … sources from which we form our ideas and opinions. And those ideas and opinions become our beliefs and the…
How often do you feel like your words are falling on deaf ears? How would you like to be a better listener? I learned a long time ago if I want to pay attention to the people I’m with I need to turn away from all competing distracters. I don’t know if I have ADD…
I want to be free and I’m guessing it’s something you want too. Jesus said… “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. John 8:31–32, 36 Based on…
We call it Independence Day … the day we remember that living free in America is a blessing. I’ve shared the story before of my wrong answer to a newscaster who caught me on the street and asked me about the historical reason for celebrating the 4th of July. I completely forgot everything I’d learned…
Don’t you wish liars’ noses grew and their pants did catch on fire? It would be much easier to confidently know the truth if we could quickly identify and reject lies and deception. I’ve shared before how much I hate lying. It seems like our culture assumes it’s just part of life but look at…
What is the most delightful relationship? Let’s begin by asking… Who or what delights you? Who or what fills you with joy and happiness? Did you know the Bible says the Lord delights in you? He takes joy in everyone who loves Him through His Son, Jesus. You give Him pleasure. How cool is that?!…
Imagine . . . you’ve dreamt about it forever and saved for as long as you can remember. You’ve planned, purchased, and packed. Finally, it’s time to go and you’re beyond excited. Tired and stressed, but enthusiastic and filled with anticipation. You’re about to spend a week with your family making wonderful memories together in (insert dream destination here)….
I looked up what it means to be united in faith and found the following at GotQuestions. “Unity is a state of oneness and harmony. All believers in Christ are united in Christ. We are in a relationship that unites us with Him and with every other believer.“ Being united doesn’t mean we’re the same…
Have you ever made what you believe to be the perfect plans when circumstances change and you realize that God alone knows the best path for your future? Normally, if Rev came home with a bunch of flowers and a bottle of wine we were going to spend the evening celebrating. But one night years…
There’s a strong storm going through our area as I type these words and I’m hoping we don’t lose power. Storms without or storms within … life’s storms leave us insecure and unsettled. When the sky darkens and sirens start blaring we want to feel safe and strong enough to make it through. David wrote……
If feeling out of control and afraid were sports, I’d have Olympic medals. It’s not surprising. Worry is fear’s counterpart and I can’t remember a time in my life when I wasn’t challenged by fear. Have you noticed most things we fear and worry about are initiated by feelings of helplessness? We feel the need…
I have a closet full of shoes that I avoid unless I’m leaving the house and shoes are required. I love cute shoes but love comfort more. If I have a choice, I will always choose comfort. Comfortable shoes. Comfortable clothes. And a comfortable life. Whenever possible … I choose to stay in my comfort zone….
What would you say if someone asked you about the meaning of worship? Many think of worship as the time spent in church lifting praises and listening to the Word. Wikipedia says… Worship is showing regard with great respect, honor, or devotion. This may be encountered in religious settings. John Piper said… “All true worship is…
Maybe, like me, you’ve had something you’ve been praying about for years but as time goes on … hope fades. You need hope now but wonder if you should just let it go or continue to pray persistently. Your loved one is still ill. Your pain is overwhelming. Your relationship is still broken. Your finances…
