Welcome to another post in The Summer Sizzle Blog Hop Series. It is an absolute blessing to introduce you to my friend, Valerie Murray. I am so very thankful God brought her into my life. If you’ve been visiting Counting My Blessings for a while, you know I’ve had a long hard journey through decades…
Welcome to week six of the Summer Sizzle Blog Hop Series. I have so loved sharing these amazing posts from faith-filled friends who encourage and bless me daily. This week I’m thrilled to introduce you to my friend, Lori Shumaker. I hardly know where to begin to tell you about Lori. I just love her…
Do you have anything in your life you’d do differently if you could get a do-over? I think everyone has lots of little things and maybe even a few big things they think . . . if only I had or if only I hadn’t. Yeah, me too. Of all the dos and don’ts, I…
Two weeks ago, when I told you all that I was taking a couple of weeks away . . . you were awesome, like always. I received so many encouraging comments telling me to get some good rest and enjoy my time off. Well… I did enjoy my time away, but it was anything but restful….
A photo, a smell, a melody . . . can trigger a memory and emotion. I’m an emotional Sanguine. So, my memories always come with an attached emotion. If fact, when Rev asks me if I remember an occasion, event, or travel experience my usual response is, “I don’t know, did I cry.” Happy tears….
Do you ever lie awake at night thinking, I don’t know what to do? You have a decision to make, a problem to solve, or a path to pursue and you’ve prayed, oh how you’ve prayed but you don’t feel like God is giving you clear direction. You want to know God’s will! So, you…
What do you think about prosperity theology? Prosperity theology (sometimes referred to as the prosperity gospel, the health and wealth gospel, or the gospel of success) is a belief among some Christians, who hold that financial blessing and physical well-being are always the will of God for them, and that faith, positive speech, and donations…
When I’m struggling. When I don’t know what to do next. When I’m anxious about the path God is placing before me . . . I go to the Psalms. Because David penned words there that are raw and honest. It almost feels like I’m getting a peek at his personal journal. “Lord, I’m afraid….
Do you ever wonder whether you are following God’s will or plan for you? Do you worry that you might be headed in the wrong direction? Do you wish God would write His will for your day on your to-do list? Yep, me too! Since his ordination, Rev has received calls to serve at various…
I remember the year our older daughter left for college, our son started high school, and our little bit went off to her first day of kindergarten. I’d always been highly anxious (another word for worrier) anyway but with all of those changes happening at once . . . I became what some might refer to as…
You celebrated with family and friends. You shouted the victory cry, “He is risen! He is risen, indeed!” And today, before you go back to business as usual, stop a minute longer and bask in the blessing of the resurrection with quotes that change everything . . . not just for one spring day but every…
As you focus your heart and mind on Jesus suffering and death today… I want to ask – an important Good Friday question. How do you see Him? Pleading and praying in the Garden of Gethsemane? “My Father, if it is possible, do not give me this cup of suffering. But do what you want, not…
Have you ever gotten down on your knees and washed someone’s feet? No, I’m not talking about your three-year-old’s muddy little toes after an afternoon of puddle jumping . . . but feet of all ages and sizes. A number of years ago, I attended church with my son and daughter-in-love at the church where…
Stop worrying! It’s not good for you! It’s bad for your health – mentally, physically, and spiritually. But it’s easier said than done, isn’t it? Life happens and there are plenty of things to worry about. And with practice, you can turn worrying into a fine art as you try to foresee and prevent any…
Is your spirit healthy? Did you know—if your spirit is healthy you will have better physical, social, and emotional health than those who are spiritually unhealthy? But how do you know if your spirit is healthy? Can you know a person’s spiritual health from their: Church Attendance? Bible Study? Prayer Life? Morals? Compassion? Kindness? Friendliness?…
You have a list of hopes and dreams. Things you want to accomplish. Places you want to visit. Hopes you hold on to for the future. You set goals. But the truth is… Some of your hopes and dreams will happen and some will not. And I always find it interesting that even of those…
I don’t know about you but some days I just don’t feel very lovable. It might be something as simple as a bad hair day. It’s hard to explain . . . it’s just a blah feeling I get once in a while. Rev always has a way of making me feel better. I can…
It’s February, so you know we have to talk about love. Okay, I’m using February as an excuse. If you’re a regular around here, you know we talk about love all the time because when you count your blessings . . . love tops the list. Recently, our pastor shared a message about knowing your…
Do you ever compare your life to the pretty picture lives of your friends on social media and feel like you’re missing out? Jesus challenged the people of His day with these words… Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. “All of you listen,” He said, “and try to understand. It’s not what…
You were determined. Things were going to be different this year. You made relationship goals and you’re doing your best. But there’s a problem. You brought last year’s baggage into this year’s efforts and your friends and family did too. Doubts, disappointments, failures . . . yep, the memories linger and hurt both your mind and…
Today’s a sad day for us. It hasn’t always been sad. In fact, it’s the anniversary of one of our family’s happiest days. But now, it’s a reminder of what we’ve lost . . . that someone we love is missing. We cherish every happy memory but on days like today, in all honesty . ….
