Eight years ago, I spent the months of June and July updating my passport, getting the required vaccines, and trying to figure out what in the world I should pack. Each day spent getting ready to travel to Bolivia as a member of the World Vision Bolivia Bloggers Team. I was considerably older than the…
It’s Easter! He is Risen! I thought this would be the easiest prayer of all to write until I began and words seemed beyond my reach because I knew the truth… How Can I Ever Begin to Thank You, Jesus? Your Resurrection Day changed everything! Everything! Because of Your resurrection… My sins are forgiven and…
So much happened on Thursday of Holy Week. Jesus washed His apostles’ feet. He celebrated a Passover meal with them. He walked with them and taught them about faith and faithfulness. He warned them of the world’s hatred and promised them the presence of the Holy Spirit. And He prayed. Today, I’m praying and asking…
On Tuesday of Holy Week, Jesus spent one last day teaching in the Temple Courtyard and the leading priests and elders came to Him with a challenge… “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?” Matthew 21:23 After answering their question with a question … He began teaching some…
Crowds lined the road that first Palm Sunday, shouting… “Praise God! Blessings on the One who comes in the name of the Lord! Hail to the King of Israel!” John 12:13 And as they proclaimed You the One who would save them from Roman rule and oppression, Jesus knew the truth… Jesus knew what was…
I have times when I am overwhelmed by God’s presence when I’m praying and I also know the feeling of loneliness as my pleas seem to simply hang heavy in the air around me. I know God’s promises to hear the prayers of His children. Promises like… The Lord is close to all who call…
Why in the world do we talk about Lent anyway? Many churches have stopped making much of this season of preparation but I’ve always found it a blessing to slow down a little and prayerfully think about all Jesus has graciously done for me through His life, death, and resurrection. I see comments out there…
Almost everyone has a double standard when it comes to forgiveness. If you and I are being honest, we’d admit we want to be forgiven but often find it hard to forgive. And that’s especially true, when the offense has been life-changing or the offender continues to do things that cause us pain. But then…
“Joy is a state of mind and an orientation of the heart. It is a settled state of contentment, confidence and hope. Joy isn’t just a smile or a laugh. Joy is something that is deep within and doesn’t leave quickly. Joy is given by God and something that He wants us to have…” ~ Theopedia…
The first Bible verse most of us learn is… For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 God’s only Son, Jesus … His amazing and gracious gift of love. The Bible also says about Jesus: “There is…
The “church” is made up of all of us who trust and follow Jesus. In one of His last recorded prayers, Jesus prayed… Father, I am in them and You are in Me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know You sent Me and that You love them as much as You love…
Nothing infuriates me more than dishonesty and deception. Jesus described the devil as, “a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44 He also called…
Jesus said the second “most important command” is to, “love your neighbor as You love yourself.” Matthew 22:39 I don’t know about you … not often, but occasionally, I can get to the end of the day and feel like I’ve loved “my people” pretty well. But then there are those other days, those “not…
So many voices claim and proclaim they are telling the truth. Teachers, preachers, politicians, family and friends all share their personal views as the truth. The classroom, social media, entertainment, books, papers, articles, TED talks, AAAGH! How’s a person supposed to know what’s true? Absolutely true? Will you join me as I pray… God, Help Me…
I’ve been down off the mountain literally and figuratively for a little over a week. Last weekend, I flew to Denver to spend a few days with beautiful blogger friends that I affectionately call, “My People.” They are friends, encouragers, cheerleaders, and prayer warriors. In a short 48 hours, we laughed until our abs hurt, cried big…
I want to know the truth. No. Truth is so important to me, it feels more like a need than a want. I have learned however that my need to know the truth can be challenging in a world where truth is commonly believed to be relative. Where what’s true for me isn’t necessarily true…
Absolute truth is defined as … truth that lasts. It was true in the past and it will be true in the future. It is not influenced by the opinions of people or by fluctuating circumstances. It is not invented by culture or religion and it will always BE truth whether people believe it or…
Jesus said: “If you love me, obey my commandments.” John 14:15 Maybe, like me, you think … I love Jesus, I want to obey Him. The other day a couple of questions came to mind that I’d never thought about before… What are Jesus’ commandments? Are they different from the original 10 Commandments in the Old…
I’ve thought so much about worship this week. What it is. What it isn’t. Even what it should be. And one verse keeps coming to mind… But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone…
Maybe you’re someone who reads the First Commandment, You must not have any other god but me. Exodus 20:3 and thinks… Whew, I believe in God as He is revealed in the Bible. I’m good on that one. That’s one commandment I don’t have to worry about. I’m not. I’ve had times when I’ve worried…
It’s been years, but I can still picture them well. They were members of our small church in St. Louis. For my story today, I’m going to call them members A and B. Member A – A was a slightly built man with a wisp of silver hair. He had a huge smile and a…
