We all want to be happy! Something the dictionary defines as a state of well-being or contentment. Yet, I’m not sure that’s the definition most of us are trying to attain. Why? Because then happiness wouldn’t be something to be attained in the next big thing… The next vacation, purchase, or relationship. If happiness is…
On the darkest days, when I feel inadequate, unloved and unworthy, I remember whose daughter I am and I straighten my crown. Author Unknown That’s what I want not only for myself but for my daughters as well. Being a teen girl is hard. I remember! I remember it was hard for our girls too….
I used to be a world-class worrier. Of course, I was … fear and worry go hand in hand. I craved a smooth water life and anything that could potentially stir the water was worth worrying about. So, I worried about just about everything and anything that could happen to me or to someone on…
Why do I put myself out there week after week telling you about my struggle with worry and anxiety? Because I hated it! And if, by God’s grace, one or two of you might be spared the emotional, mental, and physical suffering that accompanies perpetual worry … I will shout my story from the rooftops….
The average temperature at that time of the year was 36°F. But on this day, March 11, in 1972, the sun was shining and the winds calm. It was a balmy and beautiful 49°F in Birmingham, Michigan. Why do I remember the weather on this day 47 years ago? Well, you may have guessed ……
Why in the world do we talk about Lent anyway? Many churches have stopped making much of this season of preparation but I’ve always found it a blessing to slow down a little and prayerfully think about all Jesus has graciously done for me through His life, death, and resurrection. I see comments out there…
I know I don’t typically publish a post on Wednesdays but the Lord gave me a nudge that I just couldn’t ignore. It all started Monday morning, as I sat down with my Bible and a cup of coffee for my time of prayer and study. My first reading was Joshua 23, where Joshua begins…
What do you do when it feels like the enemy is trying to discourage you, defeat you, or silence your voice? Let me explain… Last weekend, I got up early Saturday morning with a post running through my head. I was so excited to share this message with you as I enthusaistically started writing. The…
Sometimes I think I was born anxious. Seriously, I can remember way too many middle of the night worry session as a child. And although I’d love to tell you that all disappeared when I grew up … you wouldn’t believe me anyway. Everyone knows there are countless things to worry about as an adult,…
It’s true! It is absolutely impossible to experience God’s peace when I’m reliving yesterday or pre-living tomorrow. Peace simply cannot be applied to yesterday’s mess nor can it be pre-applied to tomorrow’s worries. Have you ever gotten to the end of the day and regret the amount of time you wasted on guilt, worry, and…
I shared earlier this week that the number one prayer request on the Blessing Counters Pray Page is one that asks for a family relationship to be healed and/or restored. So, I wrote what I believe to be the 5 Best Ways to Bless and Strengthen Your Family. Not because I believe I have the…
“A family is a place where principles are hammered and honed on the anvil of everyday living.” Charles Swindoll If you and I are supposed to believe every happy photo we see on social media … almost all of our friends have perfect relationships with their parents, siblings, spouses, children, and grandchildren. But… If you…
The cards, flowers, chocolate, and “I love yous” have all been shared. And yet, I wonder how many of us are left longing because someone left us wanting … failing to fill us up the way we expected, hoped or believed we needed. I keep thinking about Jenny Lind’s song in The Greatest Showman… All…
Love… It’s a fickle thing, isn’t it? We don’t want it to be. In fact, most people are desperately looking for a love that is guaranteed to last. Oh, we promise to love our spouse forever but nearly half of all marriages end in divorce. We hope our families will remain united and loving from…
Wow, I’ve wrestled with this post… I shouldn’t be surprised, this forgiveness thing is hard. Something the Lord laid on my heart as I was working on this is the thought that many of us forgive from a “Law” perspective … one that believes “you have to forgive or God won’t forgive you.” And although,…
Almost everyone has a double standard when it comes to forgiveness. If you and I are being honest, we’d admit we want to be forgiven but often find it hard to forgive. And that’s especially true, when the offense has been life-changing or the offender continues to do things that cause us pain. But then…
So, how well are you resting? With all the discussion about the importance of self-care and taking time to rest… I wonder, how’s that going for you? I’m guessing that you, like many others, struggle to actually relax and rest occasionally … that’s why so many articles are being written and people are talking about…
How do you picture God? Who do you see when you pause to pray? A fireman who will put out the fires in your life?A genie or fairy godmother who will grant your every wish?A judge who will punish you when you fail?A hard to please parent who always expects more?An administrator who makes decisions…
Do you ever have times when your life’s circumstances seem impossible? Times when … your relationship is broken, or you can’t find a job, or your child is rebellious, or you can’t break a long-held bad habit, or your pain or illness is worsening, and life is just plain hard? Times when you wonder if…
I get discouraged sometimes praying the same prayer again and again. I need to remember that absolutely nothing is too hard for God.
I know God is good! I do! He’s proven His goodness in countless ways … everything from forgiving me through Jesus to countless everyday moments of provision and protection. And yet… I’ll be honest with you, there have been times in my life when circumstances were painful and waiting seemed to go on forever. Times…
