If you had to name one thing as “most important” in marriage what would it be? Compatibility?Friendship?Trust?Financial Security?Physical Attraction? What about the “most important” thing in your friendships? Conversation?Kindness?Trust?A Sense of Humor?Similar Interests? Of course, those things are all important… This may surprise you. I believe the most important thing in any relationship is living a God-first…
I remember the year our older daughter left for college, our son started high school, and our little bit went off to her first day of kindergarten. I’d always been highly anxious (another word for worrier) anyway but with all of those changes happening at once . . . I became what some might refer to as…
We live together, work together, study together, play together, and worship together. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone was easy? If people were always pleasant, helpful, and encouraging, appreciative, forgiving and fun. But relationships are complicated and even those we love the most drive us crazy at times. And although you can’t change the people…
Have you ever wondered if you’re really living life to its fullest? I have. Why? Because Rev and I have been accused, more than once, of not living life fully. I know you’re dying to know why, aren’t you? Because we are content. We are not party-ers. We don’t have to try the latest restaurant….
How happy are you? Do you feel optimistic and positive most days or… Are you disappointed and discouraged? Overwhelmed and under-appreciated? With a never-ending to-do list? Exhausted wondering if things will get better? If this describes you . . . it may be time to ask some important questions to understand how your core beliefs are…
You celebrated with family and friends. You shouted the victory cry, “He is risen! He is risen, indeed!” And today, before you go back to business as usual, stop a minute longer and bask in the blessing of the resurrection with quotes that change everything . . . not just for one spring day but every…
As you focus your heart and mind on Jesus suffering and death today… I want to ask – an important Good Friday question. How do you see Him? Pleading and praying in the Garden of Gethsemane? “My Father, if it is possible, do not give me this cup of suffering. But do what you want, not…
Have you ever gotten down on your knees and washed someone’s feet? No, I’m not talking about your three-year-old’s muddy little toes after an afternoon of puddle jumping . . . but feet of all ages and sizes. A number of years ago, I attended church with my son and daughter-in-love at the church where…
There are two events that took place early in Holy Week used to justify anger. After all, if Jesus expressed righteous anger, then it’s okay for you and me, too . . . right? The following accounts are found in Mark 11: Jesus Cursed a Fig Tree The next morning as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus…
My original plan for today was to share some of the prayer requests that have been added to the Blessing Counters Pray Page. I’m so thankful that people are visiting both to leave requests and to pray for others. You all bless me bunches. But rather than share several requests . . . I have…
Fear and worry go together like pb and j. If you struggle with fear, you are most likely an experienced worrier. The other day we talked about the reasons to stop worrying – Stop Worrying! It’s Not Good for You! So today, let’s take a look at… 25 Quotes that will Help You Stop Worry…
Stop worrying! It’s not good for you! It’s bad for your health – mentally, physically, and spiritually. But it’s easier said than done, isn’t it? Life happens and there are plenty of things to worry about. And with practice, you can turn worrying into a fine art as you try to foresee and prevent any…
Have you ever started the day in a pretty good mood . . . okay, maybe it took a couple of cups of coffee but then you were good to go. I’d like to think I’m a positive person. But… Then there are those times when a thought or memory, a post on Facebook, or…
This is one of those posts that won’t make me the most popular blogger on the block. It’s just something I’ve been thinking about and feel the need to discuss here. I’m reading through a Chronological Version of the Bible this year and the last few months I’ve been working my way through the kings…
“The company you keep says a lot about you, because your friends have a major influence on how you feel, think, and behave. Friends influence your choices.” (Psychology Today) The people with whom you and I spend our time have a huge impact on almost every area of our lives and let’s face it, with busy schedules…
Ooh, she was angry. I don’t know why. I don’t even know who. But I could hear her shrieks coming from down the street. She was angry and wanted everyone to know it. I don’t know whether it worked for her or not but temper tantrums and angry outbursts typically cause more problems than they…
I wonder… Who Do You Think Should Decide Right and Wrong? If everyone says it’s okay … is it really okay? Is cultural holiness the bar for right and wrong? What is cultural holiness? “Many Christians have what we might call a “cultural holiness”. They adapt to the character and behavior pattern of Christians around them….
Let’s talk about trust… Imagine the following conversation between two friends: Friend A – “Some people should offer to read you your Miranda rights at the beginning of every conversation.” Friend B – “What?” Friend A – “You know. They should come with a warning label. I am a gossip or I am a liar.”…
Rev and I will celebrate our 45th Anniversary this weekend. What?! I remember thinking people married 25 years were old and those married 50 were ancient. Now that we’re closer to 50 than 25 . . . I’m surprised at how not old we feel. Sure, on the outside our hair is gray and our…
There are those who say when you learn something the hard way you really learn it. I suppose it’s true. There is something about the lessons learned through pain that makes them stick. I’ve never been a fan of learning the hard way. Not the one to enjoy challenging consequences . . . I listened…
Do you ever wonder if you’re making a difference? If your life really matters? Somedays it feels like you’re just going through the motions . . . doing the same things again and again. But what if… You really were born for “such a time as this.” Last month, I wrote that I believe we…
