If you’re like me, you’ve been blessed with some really wonderful friendships. And well, you’ve also experienced some that were far less than wonderful. That’s life, isn’t it? Some friendships start easily and feel like you’ve known each other forever and others require more effort but are oh – so – worth it! And sadly,…
I’m sure you’re like me, in that some days you’re just not sure you’re strong enough to get out of bed and face the day. Maybe it’s physical limitations caused by pain or illness. Maybe it’s emotional. The thought of dealing with a person or problem feels overwhelming and makes you want to pull the…
It’s been a hard week. I’ve been sad. My heart hurts. Memories. What-ifs. What should have been. All thoughts I’ve surrender over and over again but then there are weeks like this one when a date on the calendar makes it harder. So, I’ve done more crying out this week. I’ve pleaded and asked God…
If you didn’t actually speak words telling someone you’re a Christian, would they be able to tell just by watching that you’re a follower of Jesus and being changed by God? I’m not asking if you tell them which church you attend or if you invite them to join you next Sunday, I’m inviting you…
One of my favorite things is giving and receiving encouragement. There is nothing like a good “atta baby” pat on the back. But there’s a fine line between encouragement and flattery, so today I’m challenging myself with the question… Are you a flatterer or a helpful encourager? I started with a web search. Flattery is…
For the last few weeks, I’ve felt the Lord nudging me to write verses and prayers post about anger. I kept trying to push the thought aside. It’s just so much more fun to write about hope and give you a feel-good pep talk. But it seemed each time I prayed about what I should…
Do you ever struggle with thoughts that feel like they’re on the spin cycle of your washing machine? Some negative discouraging and self-defeating sentence that plays again and again? Even though we know how influential our thoughts are over every part of our lives … it’s a challenge to stay focused on true, honorable, right,…
Did you know … when researching the mental health benefits of gratitude you’ll find a long list of selfish reasons for being appreciative. A give to get way of thinking. It’s understandable. We all want a profitable return on our investments whether they are time, money, position, or people directed. Honestly, it’s an unfortunate part of our…
It’s so easy to get caught up in the dailiness of life. I get busy just doing and living and somehow forget to fill moments with gratitude and thanksgiving. Oh, I can talk about it “real good” in this space but the doing it . . . yeah, that can get pushed aside by the…
The alarm rang at 4:30 that Thursday morning although we didn’t need it, neither of us had slept much. We were both trying to be upbeat and hopeful for the other as Rev went through the ritual of washing his upper body with special soaps in preparation. It’s funny. I remember that day and those…
“I tell you, love your enemies.” Seriously! Did Jesus really mean love? An enemy is defined as someone who feels hatred for, fosters harmful designs against, or engages in antagonistic activities against another. And Jesus wants us to love them. Really?! He didn’t leave us wondering what He meant by the word “love.” He went…
Worry, anxiety, envy, anger, frustration, discouragement, self-pity, etc. Stinkin’ thinkin’! Negative attitude affecting thoughts that ruin our days and hurt our relationships. But it’s just part of life, isn’t it? Since sin entered the Garden, there have been examples of negativity leading to serious problems. Most of us have seen the quote: “Watch your thoughts,…
“Sometimes when we get overwhelmed we forget how big God is.”~ AW Tozer It’s true, isn’t it? When hurricanes hit literally or figuratively it’s easy to get overwhelmed. One of the things I tend to forget when my life feels out of (my) control and I’m tangled in a web of confusion and frustration is that…
I love great quotes! I save them on Pinterest and keep links to them close for easy access when I need a word of encouragement from someone who’s been there before me. You see, I don’t like learning the hard way! I’m one of those people who believes the advice of others. Now, that’s both…
Do you ever read a quote that you believe to be life-changing? One that is full of wisdom and truth? These words by Max Lucado from In the Eye of the Storm. It is one of those “best quotes” I not only want to remember but need to pull apart. I want it to be…
Who broke your heart? Was it your college crush? Your parent? Your best friend? Spouse? Child? Fiancé? Child? The truth . . . no matter how hard you and I try to avoid the pain, it’s impossible to get through life without experiencing the occasional broken heart. We can’t make everyone love us. There will be…
As we entered into a time of confession and repentance in our worship service yesterday morning, our pastor encouraged each of us to repent of the sin of silence. He said that too many of us have been silent for too long when it comes to calling out hatred around the world, in our nation,…
I hate phone-trees. It’s embarrassing how quickly I get ugly while trying to talk to a computer voice that insists I follow her prompts while refusing to hear my request. I try to make myself feel better with the excuse . . . it’s only a computer. But if it goes on too long, I…
Jesus told His followers that they are the “Light of the World.” That includes you and me. And I love it but in all honesty, it stresses me out a little, too. Why does light shining make me anxious? Because sometimes I just don’t want to shine. Sometimes I feel dull and broken. And last…
Are your children getting nervous about starting the new school year? Classes begin in our area next week. With one grandson starting first grade and the other third, I’ve been thinking back on their parent’s years in school. Add my own as a teacher. Whew! That’s a lot of hours spent in the classroom! Did…
Don’t you love joyful, passionately positive people? No, not those who are over the top and fake, but… The ones who live with enthusiasm, look for joy, pursue their dreams, and refuse to focus on what isn’t while working toward possibilities. Most people choose friends who love life and are fun to be around; so,…
