Nothing . . . absolutely nothing is ever accomplished through negativity! And yes, I said that negatively. It’s easy for us to see what’s wrong, isn’t it? It’s easy to make a list of flaws and faults we see in our neighbors, at church, at work, at our kid’s school, in our community and our…
Last week, I wrote about God’s desire for us to be happy. Not simply momentary pleasure but true and lasting happiness. Happiness that… Trusts God is greater than our circumstances. Knows our sins are forgiven. Comes from wisdom that is able to guide us and keep us safe. Gives the peace that comes from obedience….
It’s December 6th and for most of us our Christmas preparations are in full swing. Our calendars are full and our to-do lists are long. And we’re starting to wonder… How am I going to get everything done in less than three weeks? THREE WEEKS! Are you kidding? But before full-on panic sets in and I…
Have you ever had good intentions turn into regret? It can happen in all kinds of ways… Your words were misunderstood.Actions misinterpreted. Or simply an accident you can’t undo. I’ve experienced all of the above but most recently it was the last one that the Lord used to teach me a lesson. It all started…
It’s almost here! Many of you may be traveling as you read this. Social media is full of goal setting and planning posts to make this year the very best holiday ever. But as I talk to friends and friends of friends for some of you the hardest part of celebrating the holidays is the…
Culture looks at love as a feeling. But the Bible describes it as so much more than the way we feel. Jesus had some things to say about love … both God’s and ours.
In my dreams, I’m winsome, witty, and engaging. In my dreams, I’m the kind of person you’d want to sit and talk with for hours. And of course, I’m also an excellent listener who is emotionally supportive offering just the right balance of encouragement with wise advice. But remember, I said, “in my dreams.” In…
If you are a writer or blogger, I have a question for you. Who do you picture as you write? In writing courses, this imaginary person represents your ideal reader or customer. Some call it writing for your “avatar.” You create this imaginary person by determining your ideal reader’s… Goals and values. Sources of information….
It’s important to be kind because kindness not only benefits the one who receives it … kindness benefits the one who gives it. #BeKind #Kindness #Blessings #Friendship
We’ve never been more connected than we are today. Yet, more of us are lonelier than ever before. We’re praying 5 Psalms that will help and give us hope. #Prayer #Hope #Loneliness #FeelLonely
Learn how to guard your heart while remaining open and vulnerable … but do it with God’s help, wisdom, and discernment. Awesome relationship advice! #Relationships #Friendship #KnowtheTruth #FaithLife #Blessings
The average temperature at that time of the year was 36°F. But on this day, March 11, in 1972, the sun was shining and the winds calm. It was a balmy and beautiful 49°F in Birmingham, Michigan. Why do I remember the weather on this day 47 years ago? Well, you may have guessed ……
“A family is a place where principles are hammered and honed on the anvil of everyday living.” Charles Swindoll If you and I are supposed to believe every happy photo we see on social media … almost all of our friends have perfect relationships with their parents, siblings, spouses, children, and grandchildren. But… If you…
Wow, I’ve wrestled with this post… I shouldn’t be surprised, this forgiveness thing is hard. Something the Lord laid on my heart as I was working on this is the thought that many of us forgive from a “Law” perspective … one that believes “you have to forgive or God won’t forgive you.” And although,…
Almost everyone has a double standard when it comes to forgiveness. If you and I are being honest, we’d admit we want to be forgiven but often find it hard to forgive. And that’s especially true, when the offense has been life-changing or the offender continues to do things that cause us pain. But then…
It happened again the other day… I was scrolling through Facebook when I came upon a random conversation between pastors, kids of pastors, and members of churches about the recommended salaries for pastors next year. Unfortunately, the conversation got ugly. There were a few in the thread who felt it was more important to be…
If you’re like me, your level of patience is realized on a case by case basis. I can have “the patience of a saint.” I can also be like a spoiled child waiting for Christmas morning. It all depends on the circumstances and how often I’ve previously played my patience card on any given day….
I wonder if part of the appeal of social media is that we’re able to have lots of “friends” without the inconvenience of actually making the friendships work. We’re learning that more and more people struggle with sadness and loneliness because their “real life” friendships are suffering due to the distraction and rush of likes,…
One of the most frequently used sections of Scripture read at weddings is found in Ecclesiastes, where Solomon wrote… Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help … Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm … two…
Jesus said the second “most important command” is to, “love your neighbor as You love yourself.” Matthew 22:39 I don’t know about you … not often, but occasionally, I can get to the end of the day and feel like I’ve loved “my people” pretty well. But then there are those other days, those “not…
Everyone has at least one relative who makes holiday gatherings with the family less than Hallmark perfect. Be honest, you had someone come to mind, didn’t you? Families in the U.S. are preparing to gather next week to celebrate and remember the year’s blessings. Most of us will celebrate by eating too much and carrying on…
