Yesterday I asked, “Do we really believe Jesus plus nothing is enough?” We want to add doctrine, rules, and practices because they’re easier. We understand doing it right and being accepted by others who are doing the same. But that’s not . . . Jesus plus nothing. So what does it mean to trust, to be…
Rev isn’t pastoring a congregation at the moment, but he has in the past. We know what it’s like to lead a group of people with varying personalities and opinions. We know what it’s like to have someone threaten to leave for exactly the opposite reasons that someone else is threatening to leave. If you’re…
Just look at a group of teen girls. They are probably all dressed alike, with similar hairstyles, and the same brand of purses thrown over their shoulders. Because we want to fit in. We want to be liked. Everyone knows popular is better than unpopular. Stop. What if you were made to be different? You were….
It can take more strength to keep your opinions to yourself than it does to give them a voice. How strong are you? This week we’re looking at self-control, especially when it comes to words. Solomon said, “Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish. The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to…
How is your impulse control? What rules do you follow? Are any of them non-negotiable? Would you like people to respect you more? Would you like to respect yourself more? Good news! It’s not too late. It’s never too late. You can take steps to strengthen your character. “Character” is defined as “the inherent complex of attributes that…
Trustworthy, respectful, responsible, fair, caring, and honest . . . attributes of a person with strong good character. How is your character? What about your friends? Since individuals have penned words . . . the importance of having strength of character has been documented. Today, I’m sharing some of my favorites: “Being faithful in the smallest things is the way…
Most days I wake up feeling weak and vulnerable. And it’s okay. I don’t have to be strong. I just have to get up, wander into my quiet place, and turn to the One who promises to give me His strength. The One whose grace is sufficient and whose love never ends. My Father, who will…
Do you trust easily? Would you describe yourself as a faithful friend? Would you say your friends are faithful? What does faithfulness mean to you? The rest of the week we are going to look at a dozen ways to inspire and maintain faithfulness in our relationships. For today . . . let’s take a look at…
I rarely have writer’s block. I can almost always think of something to say. What to write about this third week of September and first week of fall? I thought and prayed, and repeated often . . . and nothing. Then two words came to my heart and mind. “I do.” Do you promise to…
Some things seem impossible to forgive. The terrorist attack on September 11, 2001 is a perfect example. I promised to talk about healing after forgiveness, but I felt today might be better spent remembering and honoring. Healing brings hope. And we will look at the steps to take to help the healing process… But for…
You’ve heard of IQ (intelligence quotient), you may even know your number. You may have heard of EQ (emotional quotient), and like me, you may even believe it’s important. But have you heard of HQ? Hope Quotient I’ll admit that up until about a month ago, I had no clue how to answer the questions: HQ…
God answers the mess of life with one word, “Grace.” ~Max Lucado We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus. Acts 15:11 Shh. Listen. God is whispering grace to you. Huge love. Grace to cover your worst shame. Grace to forgive your worst offense. Enough for you….
In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well . . . And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Romans 12:6,8 Are you gifted with kindness? Awesome! Go out there and share it freely. But even if you don’t feel you have the gift of kindness…
For the next seven days I’m taking a challenge to amp up my intentional kindness. So start thinking of ways you might take part in the challenge with me. I recently read a story I’d like to share with you: Burnt Biscuits ~ Author Unknown When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast…
I came across this video on YouTube the other day, and . . . well, it just makes me laugh. Tomorrow is Happiness Happens Day! It all began back in 1999, when the Secret Society of Happy People started with the celebration of Admit You’re Happy Day. In 2000 the celebration expanded to the entire…
Are you enjoying a simplified life or are you overwhelmed with noise, activity, and stuff? Yesterday, I shared a dozen ways you can simplify your schedule; tomorrow I’ll give you steps to simplify and organize your finances and stuff. For today, let’s take a look at what others have to say about the blessing of…
In 2011, the United Nations declared July 30th, International Friendship Day; although most countries celebrate on the first Sunday in August. I think we should celebrate all week! At least, that’s what we’re going to do here at CMB. Celebrate Friendship – 12 Qualities of a True Friend 1. Patient – A true friend understands you’re…
“I’m Borrrrrred!” Two words that can strike fear in the hearts of parents all over the country. So, in the middle of summer vacation when boredom is popping up in communities from east to west, July is Anti-boredom Month. Boredom is an emotional state experienced when an individual is left without anything in particular…
Last week I wrote a post titled, Loving Day – Love Knows No Color. It quickly became one of my top posts receiving many likes, shares, and visits. Something I wrote rattled around in my head all weekend. I’m a little surprised no one said anything which I hope means you all took it the way…
In 1961 it would have been illegal for our children to marry each other. 22 states and 96% of the population disapproved of interracial marriage. Then on June 12, 1967, in the case Loving v. Virginia, the Supreme Court unanimously struck down the country’s anti-miscegenation laws, allowing interracial couples across the country to marry. Loving…
You can be happy. Really. I haven’t always believed it. I know situations and experiences can cause temporary unhappiness, but you and I get to decide whether we’ll allow sadness to linger. If you want to be happier, you have to be willing to make a few adjustments 25 Secrets and Quotes to Make You Happy 1. Decide you want…
