Churches are full a people who are trying to be “good Christians.” There are a more than a few who believe they are succeeding; at least it’s what they want to believe and more than that . . . it’s what they want everyone else to believe. But the Psalmist wrote, “All have turned away, all…
I remember each precious face from the week I spent in Bolivia as a Blogger for World Vision. That trip increased my awareness of the importance of loving my international neighbor. Many governments around the world are either unable or unwilling to help the “least of these” living among them. For the past year and…
Are you ready to take an honest look at your friendships? It’s not easy. But it is important. If you decide you are investing in relationships with people who are not being true friends to you, it’s important to know that you don’t have to end those relationships. You may simply guard your heart and…
I have a confession to make. I’m getting a personal opportunity to live out my writing. Getting that tap on the shoulder and Holy Spirit whisper reminding that I’ve lost my focus, and thinking about myself again. I’ve written about being thankful for God’s love and fretted about: How can I grow my readership? How…
Life is messy. Relationships sticky. Finances fluctuate. Calendars over-booked. Days can be hard and filled with doubt, worry, and anxiety. [Tweet “But in your messy life . . . one thing never changes. “] God loves you with a love beyond anything you can imagine. He’s got you. Quotes about God’s Perfect Love for Your Messy…
God’s love for you is perfect, unconditional, and everlasting. No matter what you’ve done. No matter where you’ve been. No matter how you feel. You need to remember . . . you are loved. He loves you and me – not because of what we believe, what we say, or what we do. He…
It’s February. Valentine’s Day is approaching and talk of love is all around. And I have a challenge…. Everyday this month let’s make the effort to tell people we love them and are thankful for them. If you were to die tomorrow, would the people in your life know what they mean to you? Well,…
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Rev. 21:5 January Gratitude – my favorite quotes this month. Be true to yourself, help others, make each day your masterpiece, make friendship a fine art, drink deeply from…
I knew this week’s posts were going to be hard for me to write. But I had no idea how hard…. I have a really bad attitude about exercise. (Please don’t give me a pep talk. I’m happy for those of you who love it. I’m annoyed with those who hate it and do it anyway.)…
In my search for movement motivation and inspiration I found the following quotes: He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:!6 The only exercise some people get is…
Those of you who know how much a hate to exercise might be surprised to learn that there was a time with I was a disciplined walker. Each week day morning began with 30 – 40 minutes of treadmill time. Then I was diagnosed with agitated depression/anxiety, and the side effects of the medication made…
Most of my life I’ve allowed the morning “number” to determine my mood, what I ate, how much I ate, and what I wore. I began the week telling you when my food issues began, today I want to tell you about my season of binging and how it intensified the problem. I dieted my…
For the next two weeks we’re going to look at intentional gratitude and physical health, specifically diet and exercise. After all, it’s January, everyone is talking food and fitness…. Then why is this such a big deal for me. It should be easy, but it’s not. I feel anxious and vulnerable. Because I have food issues. People…
We get the gift of gold. It has always been and still is costly and valued. God commanded the use of gold throughout the Tabernacle and the Temple . . . the Ark of the Covenant, cups, bowls, lamp stands, the altar, etc. (Exodus 25 and 1 Kings 6 & 7) Revelation 21 describes…
The Gift of Myrrh – body balm and medicine. Myrrh is the sap-like resin that comes from a thorny bush in the desert regions of Arabia, Ethiopia, and Somalia. After the gum resin is collected it is stored for about three months while it hardens into a fragrant beads. When crushed and mixed with oil…
Are you overwhelmed with all the gifts you need to buy in the next few weeks? Some will shop all year and stash away purchases to simplify December shopping. Others begin in early fall determined to be finished by Thanksgiving. My Dad used to rush to the mall on his way home from work on…
I’ve seen the power of “we” in action. Oh, I’ve known its truth for a long time, but seeing it played out is huge. You know it too. You know that when individuals join together to make a difference big things happen. Look at the impact October pink has on us. Everywhere you look men…
Do you dream about peace? Yes, world peace would be wonderful, but you’d be happy with a little peace at home. Right? Imagine what it would be like if only . . . The kids would stop fighting. Your spouse would be more encouraging. Your house would magically clean itself, and the laundry was always…
The other day I received a card from Rev which read, “Thank you for bringing World Vision into our lives.” I smile each time I see the cover of the child sponsorship folder and read – thank you for changing my life. The truth is that partnering with World Vision has changed our lives. World Vision changes lives….
In a small community where the people had next to nothing, they shared with us what they had . . . boiled potatoes, lacoto (spicy cabbage), and a bit of fruit. This is the place my mind revisits when I think about our week in Bolivia. It was an emotional day for me. Day 2…
I’ve been carrying a lesson around with me since returning from South America. It’s a lesson that I hope to use often to take captive my streaming thoughts of self-deprecation. Those thoughts that continuously tell me that I’m not pretty enough, thin enough, and I’m can no longer be considered “young.” The thoughts that end…
