My fortieth birthday was the worst. I was certain my family would go out of their way to make me forget about the number I was reaching by celebrating . . . me. Big mistake. My teen, tween, and pre-school age children felt no need to smother me with adoration and affection as I crossed…
A hammer and nails . . . so common in the life of a carpenter. Did Jesus know the role they would play in his work of redemption? A crown of thorns . . . simple stems from His creation. Did the king of the universe know they would cause Him so much pain? Betrayal,…
It’s Maundy Thursday. Have you ever wondered what “Maundy” means? The first words of John 13:34 in Latin are Mandatum novum. In English they are translated, “A new command.” In Old English the Latin word, mandatum, became mande’. So, in most English-speaking Protestant Churches, Holy Thursday is referred to as Maundy Thursday. If we look…
When we have been wounded by the Church, our temptation is to reject it. But when we reject the Church it becomes very hard for us to keep in touch with the living Christ. When we say, ‘I love Jesus, but I hate the Church,’ we end up losing not only the Church but Jesus…
It’s popular to trash and ridicule the church. Since we’re in a forgiving mood this month, I thought we should take a couple of days to talk about our issues with the church. What is the church? The contemporary definition of the word church is: 1. Building for public worship 2. Religious institution. The Greek…
He does not punish us as we deserve or repay us according to our sins and wrongs. As high as the sky is above the earth, so great is His love for those who honor Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our sins from us. Psalm 103:10-12 When our…
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…
