It only took one terrifyingly turbulent flight to convince me that staying on the ground was better than being in the air. So much better that it took years before I was willing to go anywhere that required air travel. But flying was just one of my many fears. As a child, I was afraid of…
I’m a good student … someone who has always believed that information helps me achieve my goals and helps my relationships. So, whenever we faced a challenge in our marriage or family, I went searching for information that would “fix” the problem. I’ve read countless self-help books … books on personality types and love languages…
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…
Is it hard for you to be honest with God? Do you struggle to pour out feelings of impatience or frustration? Are you able to tell Him when you’re losing hope because your problem persists and you wonder if things will ever change even though you’ve prayed and prayed and prayed? I love that God…
If you watch the news … the world is a mess and it’s only getting worse. Maybe you are doing okay personally or maybe you’re not. But even when you and I are fed, housed, and healthy … we always seem to have concerns to lay before the Lord in prayer. Some big, some small,…
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…
I’m not a thrill-seeker. Nope! I’m not looking for life’s next roller-coaster ride or white water rapids experience. Now some of you may be thinking … I totally get it. I completely agree. But others are shaking their heads thinking … that’s so boring. I can’t wait for my next adrenaline rush. And I love…
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…
I have the January blahs! I began the year with all the normal enthusiasm that comes with a fresh start. Three weeks ago, I had a writing plan that excited me, a healthy diet and exercise plan that seemed doable, books I couldn’t wait to read, family and friends who delighted me … I was…
I want to be totally honest with you today. Okay, let me rephrase that because I’m honest with you every day… I guess what I’m going to do today is make myself a little more vulnerable because I want you to know that like you, I struggle. I have battled fear, worry, anxiety, and general…
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…
