How many relationships have been destroyed over foolish, hurtful, words spoken because someone was judgmental or jealous? I’ve been on both sides of hurtful words in my life. I’m guessing you have been too. Too many thoughtless things I’ve said that I wish I could retrieve and words said by others come to mind even…
Today’s is the last of the Summer Sizzle Blog Hop Series Posts. I’ll admit, I’m a little sad. This has been so much fun and I’ve loved introducing you to these dear friends. Today’s post is by my dear friend, Shannon Geurin. She has a story . . . about battle scars from the days…
I started this post several months ago when I was all fired up about a comment I read on Facebook followed by an article posted on Hello Christian. Respect is taught at home. If your kid is a disrespectful little *#%!, it’s your fault. Not society’s. Not music. Not video games. Yours! (uncredited quote on…
I’ve thought a lot about words lately. How you and I can use them to bless and grow a relationship or how easily they can erode the edges of a friendship or marriage until there’s nothing left. I’m not an advocate of the word police. I don’t believe in safe-spaces and I’m a long-standing proponent of…
Welcome to another post in The Summer Sizzle Blog Hop Series. It is an absolute blessing to introduce you to my friend, Valerie Murray. I am so very thankful God brought her into my life. If you’ve been visiting Counting My Blessings for a while, you know I’ve had a long hard journey through decades…
You’re upset. You know you’re right and they’re wrong. The people who make the decisions are taking things in the wrong direction. These people can be the decision makers for the country, at work, at church, in your neighborhood . . . you may even feel this struggle at home. So, what are you supposed to…
Some days you and I wake up filled with joy and praise comes easy. Some days life is hard and our praise is wrapped in cries and pleas. Today I want to talk about the other days. Those “run-of-the-mill” mundane days full of routine and normalcy. Days of dirty bathrooms, piles of laundry, and carpooling…
Welcome to week six of the Summer Sizzle Blog Hop Series. I have so loved sharing these amazing posts from faith-filled friends who encourage and bless me daily. This week I’m thrilled to introduce you to my friend, Lori Shumaker. I hardly know where to begin to tell you about Lori. I just love her…
Do you have anything in your life you’d do differently if you could get a do-over? I think everyone has lots of little things and maybe even a few big things they think . . . if only I had or if only I hadn’t. Yeah, me too. Of all the dos and don’ts, I…
Sometimes it’s easy to slow down, breathe, and get the rest you and I need but other times when life is stressful . . . I don’t know about you but I can get so caught up in the craziness that I forget to take the time I need to spend time with the Lord…
I can’t believe we’re starting the second half of the Summer Sizzle Blog Hop already! I hope you’re enjoying it as much as I am! This ladies are awesome and sharing their posts with you is just blessing my socks off! This week I want to introduce you to my dear friend, Marva from Sun…
Two weeks ago, when I told you all that I was taking a couple of weeks away . . . you were awesome, like always. I received so many encouraging comments telling me to get some good rest and enjoy my time off. Well… I did enjoy my time away, but it was anything but restful….
Even though things may slow down a bit in the summer it seems there are still plenty of things trying to distract me and pull me away from my time with the Lord. And I feel it! My heart craves HIM the Rock of my salvation! I need more of God! He is my shield…
Some days trust comes easy other days, not so much! When the road ahead looks smooth I will effortlessly follow where God leads me without hesitation but when it gets rough my steps slow as anxiety rises. I want my trust to be big enough to handle even the bumpiest days . . . trust that keeps its…
You and I grab our cleaning products to tackle physical dirt and grime in our homes but what about the burden of spiritual dust and cobwebs? Sometimes the weight of life takes our homes from safe sanctuary to stress-filled oppression. Is there anything we can do. There sure is… I’m thrilled to continue the Summer…
It’s week two of the Summer Sizzle Blog Hop Series! Yay!! And I’m so excited to share a post from one of my favorite people. Alison Tiemeyer is wise beyond her years. I’ve always loved reading her posts as she inspires me in both my faith and in blogging. Then I met her in person!…
I am so excited to kick off The Summer Sizzle Blog Hop Series with this post from my friend, Melanie Redd. Melanie is a prayer warrior, an inspiring speaker and writer, and one of my favorite people! She loves to laugh and even though I grew up in Michigan, she’s allowed me to declare myself her…
A photo, a smell, a melody . . . can trigger a memory and emotion. I’m an emotional Sanguine. So, my memories always come with an attached emotion. If fact, when Rev asks me if I remember an occasion, event, or travel experience my usual response is, “I don’t know, did I cry.” Happy tears….
You open your eyes and can’t believe it’s morning already. Yesterday was hard and you have a feeling today will be just as challenging… You feel overwhelmed, unable, and in need of help. So, you’re crying out asking God to give strength only He is able to give. 5 Verses to Pray When You Need…
Rev and I began decluttering our home in January. I bought Marie Kondo’s book – The Magic Art of Tidying Up and jumped right in… The summary says: The Magic Are of Tidying up gives detailed guidance for determining which items in your house “spark joy” (and which don’t), this international bestseller featuring Tokyo’s newest lifestyle…
Have you ever asked a group of five-year-olds to . . . raise their hands if they’ve ever sinned? I have. I had the privilege of teaching religion to my kindergarten class at a small Christian school. And not once have I had a child admit to sinning on the first ask. Now you might…
