Guilt. Shame. Blame. You know . . . those things the enemy uses to discourage you. There’s nothing he loves more than to remind us of our past failures. His goal is to get us to nod in agreement and live defeated. Why? Because when we are discouraged and defeated . . . focused on…
Where do you go when you truly need help? For much of my life, I turned to self-help books. I read parenting books, emotional health books, nutritional health books, and relationship books. My children will tell you that I also used the Bible as a self-help book. I believe the Bible is the best instructional…
Do you ever feel like your prayers are too simple? Do you struggle to find the right words to express your needs and feelings? Do you feel like your words simply bounce off the ceiling and fall flat? Would you like to know for sure that God hears your prayers? One of the things I…
When you’re facing a crisis and you feel overwhelmed where do you go for peace? David wrote today’s Psalm when he was running for his life. His son, Absolom, had organized an army against him. His advisors pressured him to leave town. Now, David’s army had defeated countless enemies but this time it was his…
As I read the following words, it amazed me how applicable they are for today. Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans?The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against His anointed one.“Let us break their chains,” they cry, “and free ourselves from slavery…
Life is full of choices. Small choices like what to eat for breakfast or what to wear. And big choices like what career to pursue, who to marry, or where to live . . . what is the right path for my life? One of the interesting things about life’s choices is that although some…
Happy New Year! I’m so excited to tell you about our focus here at Counting My Blessings this year. I started praying and thinking about it months ago. And oh, how our gracious God knew what I would need, and as always . . . I truly pray that it blesses you too. I’ve shared…
Have you seen the acronym WWGGG? We’ve all seen – WWJD. What would Jesus do? But I sometimes wonder if #WWJD has become an easy phrase to use more than it is a personal commitment to actually knowing, loving, and obeying Jesus. When I hear someone affirm something that clearly goes against God’s Word, I…
Merry Christmas, friends! This is… My Christmas Prayer Heavenly Father, I pray that, by the power of Your Spirit, our hearts will be filled with… ♥ The Thrill of Hope Father, thank you for Jesus, the hope for our weary world. As we celebrate His birthday, please fill us with joy and peace that lasts…
God’s love for you is perfect and unfailing! “Think of the purest, most all-consuming love you can imagine. Now multiply that love by an infinite amount—that is the measure of God’s love for you.” ~ Dieter F. Uchtdorf As we get closer to Christmas, I want to look away from the trappings of the holiday…
It’s the Season of Joy! Paul wrote: Always be joyful. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Really? Always? We want to bubble over with joy . . . but there seem to be so many things working to suck the joy right out of us. We’re trying to accomplish too much in too little time. Children are hyper…
Are you a purposeful planner? Do you set goals for the future and intentionally plan the steps necessary to accomplish them? Solomon wrote: Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. Proverbs 19:20–21 Setting goals…
The Season of Advent also called the “Season of Waiting” begins this Sunday. Let’s face it! Most of us don’t like to wait. We live at a time when most things happen fast and when they don’t . . . well, we’re not happy. But the Season of Advent calls us to wait with expectation….
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. It’s fun to gather with those we love and eat until we’re as stuffed as our turkeys but I want to pause and remember the origins of Thanksgiving and thank God for the countless blessings we have received from His grace, mercy, and love. History.com shares the following…
It’s Thanksgiving week in the U.S. and I want to take this opportunity to say that you, my beautiful friends, are near the top of my list of things for which I’m thankful. You faithfully bless me with your friendship and your encouragement. But most of all you bless me by the many ways you…
Rev has often said, “Jesus taught about the things we should do to get along with one another and God gave us families to practice!” Jesus told His followers… And although we want to trust and follow Jesus’ words and example . . . it’s hard to serve consistently and faithfully exhibit humility and mercy…
It seems like people are finding plenty of things to complain about lately. What do you think? How often do you catch yourself complaining? But wait, it’s supposed to be that time of year when we encourage each other to talk more about those things for which we are thankful. And… Aren’t we told that…
I’m an emotional Sanguine. I feel everything. Everything! Once in a Bible Study class, Rev asked me if I remembered an event we’d gone to and my immediate answer was, “I don’t know. Did I cry?” Happy, unhappy, or simply emotional tears . . . I cry easily. Oh, I love to laugh, too. In…
I’d been waiting all evening for the phone to ring… My dad was tired and emotional after having spent the day with 73 other American Veterans on their “Final Mission” (I tear up every time I see those words) to Washington DC. Their ages spanned several decades, branches of the military, and calls of duty…
Do you know someone who radiates gratitude? It may be because they know the… 4 Important Truths about Gratitude 1. Gratitude is a choice. Grateful people don’t wait until they get what they want to be thankful. They choose to celebrate what they have. Even when life is hard . . . there are always…
How well do you focus on the Lord when you pray? I have the best of intentions… I want to enter my War Room in warrior mode and make an impact on the battles taking place in the spiritual realm. But I struggle with ADD . . . my mind darts from thought to thought….
