It’s hard, isn’t it? Delving into the unknown. Waiting and wondering. At the moment, it’s hitting us all. People all over the world are watching and listening … uncertain about what the future will bring. It’s really no different than usual. It’s just that this time we have a common subject. But every day, all…
Recently, someone asked me what my blog is about and after saying, “It’s about living at the intersection of faith and life,” Then I hesitated. I didn’t know what to say next. What is my blog about and why do I write day after day? I decided that’s a question I should be able to…
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…
Our grandson loves math. I get it! I love math, too. We were talking about his love for math the other night and he told me it’s his favorite because it is logical and consistent. Then he said, “Words are harder … with language you have to figure out things like there, their, and they’re….
It seems fewer churches are observing or even talking about the season of Lent anymore and I’ve read several posts and articles by people who talk about the reasons it is unnecessary. And although I don’t know that I’d use the word “necessary” to describe the Lenten season and I’m definitely not here to give…
I think we’ve all had times when the notes on tomorrow’s planner page have resulted in a restless night of worry and anxiety. A Doctor’s Appointment – for Yourself or Someone You Love. A Meeting with Difficult Person. A Huge Project Deadline. A Major Grade-deciding Exam. A Shortage of Money for a Major Need. A…
Sometimes I think I was born worrying. I perfected the art of asking “what if” questions as I was learning to read, write, and get along with others. Now I’ll be the first to admit that anticipating negative “what ifs” when it comes to trying to avoid the negative consequences of problematic words and actions…
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…
Do you remember being a child and longing for the freedom you believed you’d finally have once you became an adult? Then you grew up and discovered that you enjoyed way more freedom as a child than you have now. There are more demands on your time, more expectations, more work … more everything. Freedom…
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…
I believe we all want to be emotionally healthy … and there are several things required to make that desire a reality. Those things are a need for love, security, and significance. The need to be valued! And I believe we are hardwired by God with this need for two very important reasons… He is…
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….
I know it’s impossible to live happy 100% of the time. Bad things happen, people are cruel, relationships end and happiness fades. And even when you and I are trying our best to do everything “right” … a choice made by someone else has the ability to turn our happiness into pain. Yet, I still…
Everyone wants to be happy! Yes, everyone longs for happiness. But maybe like me, you’ve seen quotes that say… “God doesn’t care if you’re happy. He wants you to be holy.” Rick Warren said something similar… “God is more interested in your character than your comfort. God is more interested in making your life holy…
I love the idea of choosing a focus word each year. So many of my friends testify to the ways God has used a specific word to help them grow in faith and change them in ways they never imagined. Although I loved the idea, I always tended to take on topics that included multiple…
Jesus said… Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 He taught His followers to pray… May Your Kingdom come! Matthew 6:10 And I realized, I wasn’t sure I knew what to say if someone asked me to explain the Kingdom of God or…
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…
If someone asked you, “How would you describe God’s glory?” What would you say? You and I live in a world full of suffering and conflict … a world that desperately needs the truth about God. And because of that, I want everyone to know about a glorious righteous God who transforms broken and hurting…
What does it mean to glorify God? Henry Blackaby wrote: “Will God ever ask you to do something you are not able to do? The answer is yes–all the time! It must be that way, for God’s glory and kingdom. If we function according to our ability alone, we get the glory; if we function…
I’m so excited about the response to #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory? Many of you have already joined the #WWGGG Facebook Group and committed to asking yourself the question as you maneuver the joys and challenges of life each day. Some are sharing it with their own children and their church’s youth groups….
