I found several definitions for gossip: Casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true. A rumor or report of an intimate nature. Conversations or reports about other people’s private lives that might be unkind, disapproving, or not true. And it’s everywhere, isn’t it? We…
I wish I’d read this quote years ago… “Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands.” Anne Frank She certainly shared a lot of wisdom for her young age … and for someone who never lived long…
I believe every couple believes their wedding day is just the first day of decades of marital bliss. They’ve found their soulmate … the person who “completes” them and they just know this is the start of their happily ever after. Then the honeymoon ends and reality hits. Paul wrote the following about marriage… Submit…
Let everything you do be done in love… 1 Corinthians 16:14 It’s hard to do everything in love, isn’t it? Today is the day we focus on love … romantic love, family love, and friend love. Eros — Romanic Love. Storge — Familial Love. Philia — Affectionate (Friend) Love. But that’s not the love Paul…
What’s the Golden Rule? The Dictionary defines it as: a basic principle that should always be followed to ensure success in general or in a particular activity. The Bible says it this way: “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.” Matthew 7:12 Jesus said, “This is the essence of what…
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….
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….
