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…
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…
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…
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…
I love the beginning of a new year. A clean calendar. A fresh start in Genesis. It always feels like a do-over for… Resolutions. Goals. Hopes. Promises. That’s typically how I feel on December 30th and 31st. Sometimes the feeling lingers a little and I can carry in through January 1st, 2nd, and maybe even…
It’s been a blessed year here at Counting My Blessings! I feel so very blessed to be able to do something I love each day. And I’m blessed by all of you who faithfully visit this space and take the time to encourage me with your comments, shares, and prayers. I thought it might be…
Merry Christmas, my friends! I am so thankful for you! You all bless me in countless ways. So, I’m stopping today to pray for you, I’m asking God to bless you. I’m asking Him to give you a beautiful Christmas celebration and be with you throughout the year ahead. And I’m asking Him to fill…
Christmas is just days away and as I read through and lift up the prayer requests left on the Blessing Counters Prayer Page, I can’t help but notice how families seem to have two areas of pain and concern that rise to the top … especially at this time of the year. Finances and relationships….
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…
There’s a word we don’t use very often anymore. Behold! Even in the more recent translations of the Bible, the word behold has been replaced with words like … look, see, and watch. But I think beholding something is so much more than simply looking or seeing. We hurry past things we see every day…
I absolutely love John’s Gospel. In fact, I read it multiple times each year. And every time I do, I feel myself being wrapped in God’s love. In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.He existed in the beginning with God.God created everything through Him, and nothing was created…
