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…
Do you ever lie awake at night thinking, I don’t know what to do? You have a decision to make, a problem to solve, or a path to pursue and you’ve prayed, oh how you’ve prayed but you don’t feel like God is giving you clear direction. You want to know God’s will! So, you…
What do you think about prosperity theology? Prosperity theology (sometimes referred to as the prosperity gospel, the health and wealth gospel, or the gospel of success) is a belief among some Christians, who hold that financial blessing and physical well-being are always the will of God for them, and that faith, positive speech, and donations…
When I’m struggling. When I don’t know what to do next. When I’m anxious about the path God is placing before me . . . I go to the Psalms. Because David penned words there that are raw and honest. It almost feels like I’m getting a peek at his personal journal. “Lord, I’m afraid….
Do you get nervous when you’re meeting someone new? It’s understandable because I believe we’ve all experienced times when we’ve been with women who are quick to compare, critique, judge and belittle. We want girlfriends, women who can relate to life from the feminine perspective and cheer us on along the way. I’ve always wanted a sister,…
Have you ever had one of those times when you look around and you’re sitting in the middle of something you know only God could do? That’s where I found myself last weekend. We’d only met in person 36 hours earlier although we’ve been online friends for almost a year and a half. Our ages span…
Recently one of my favorite young moms, I’ll call her Ann, called me to talk. She was struggling over a meltdown that had happened with her little one. The morning started like any other, except . . . she hadn’t slept well and an important work deadline had her in more of a hurry than…
Do you ever wonder whether you are following God’s will or plan for you? Do you worry that you might be headed in the wrong direction? Do you wish God would write His will for your day on your to-do list? Yep, me too! Since his ordination, Rev has received calls to serve at various…
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…
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 the foot washing of all ages and sizes. Years ago, I attended a service 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…
