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… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
How happy are you? Do you feel optimistic and positive on most days or… Are you disappointed and discouraged? Overwhelmed and under-appreciated? With a never-ending to-do list? Exhausted and wondering if things will ever get any better? If this describes you . . . it may be time to ask yourself some important questions to understand… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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.… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More