Just like that –– our lives changed.
The fears and frustrations we feel are real.
We cope.
Our patience is tested.
We experience loss.
We regroup.
The Word of God, our unchanging foundation, remains the same and is true.
All in Encouragement
Sandcastles
When my grandchildren were little, we vacationed one summer at the beach. During that week I rediscovered the simple joy of building sandcastles.
Big Roy
I cannot wait to see Big Roy every morning when I wake up. He brings me so much pleasure and joy. He thrills me.
Lest I confuse you, no, my husband’s name is not Roy. Big Roy lives in my small garden outside my bedroom window. Big Roy is a tomato plant. His stature, seven inches tall when I planted him now reaches five feet a few short months later.
The Responsibility to Encourage
As two young Chinese women walked down the street, they heard singing coming from a building. Believers had gathered and were praising God. The two women stopped and listened for a moment, and then moved on. One, however, was forever changed. From that moment on, she was drawn to the Lord. Her friend wasn’t. That friend heard the same singing, and yet, was unaffected. But the other began seeking the Lord and soon became a believer. This true story shows the power of the Lord to draw His own. It also shows the importance of the fellowship of believers.
Encourage Daily
The author of Hebrews mentions the word “Today” five times in Hebrews 3 and 4, expressing a sense of urgency. Three times he repeats: Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts… (Hebrews 3:7,15, 4:7). Jews knew this verse by heart. It served as a call to worship every Sabbath evening in the synagogue and challenged them to carefully listen to the voice of God.
The True Meaning of Encouragement
Years ago, I was called to an advising position, where my key role was to encourage and train women who were teaching the Bible. I was excited about the role of encourager. Having taught the Bible for many years myself, I knew how much these women needed someone to come alongside them with words of encouragement.
Encouragement, Not Flattery
For the first time, I witnessed my friend at a loss for words of encouragement. She is always quick with words that edify and exhort those around her, but on this occasion, she had difficulty finding something good to say. The work she had evaluated was far from superior. She wouldn’t use flattery; and so, as she went to leave the meeting, she said, “Thanks for the (pause, pause)… job.”
Be an Encourager
I’m painting woodwork in my house—a wretched job that requires hours of labor. My daughter, Ashley, came for several days to help. As we worked, she would occasionally say, “This is fun!” As for me, what began with excitement a few weeks ago has turned into a prayer—Lord, just help me finish!
Lost Fawn
In the little one stop-light town where we vacation during the summer there is a herd of deer that roam the yards, streets, even Main Street, and the parks much to the delight of everyone except some avid gardeners. As my little nephews excitedly exclaim, “Look there are mommy deer, daddy deer, and baby deer!” What a pleasure to watch them quietly move gracefully by you.
Beauty in Barren Places
Last month, while jeeping on an alpine trail at 12,500 feet altitude, I was astounded at the bounty of glorious flowers. There were natural-formed bouquets of golden sunflowers, delicate lavender blooms scattered among them, and an array of pink and white blossoms peeking around the rocks.
The Promise That Kept Going
I listen to Christian music throughout the day, so it’s no surprise that’s how I hear God speak many times.
Sometimes a song introduces me to a scripture.
That’s exactly what happened when I heard the song, I Am Free, by the Newsboys.
Lessons from Dirty Dishes
Have you ever let dirty dishes sit for a day or so? Really, it doesn’t have to be that long. Maybe just a few hours.
Some of the worst culprits include oatmeal, tomato sauce, cheese, and even coffee.
The food can become so glued on the dishes that even an automatic dishwasher won’t remove all the particles.
Two Lessons I've Learned from the Old Testament
’ve been reading the Bible through chronologically this year, which means I’ve been camped out in the Old Testament since January.
One of the biggest takeaways? The Israelites were bad. Even the best of them.
Unlikely Lifelong Friends
Kimberly and I met when we were both about 23 years old. We both worked in corporate communication for a large bank.
She produced company videos while I managed print communication.
We didn’t start out as friends. In fact, I didn’t like her.
Could More Be Better?
Recently one word out of this verse hit home: advisers. Plural.
Notice it does not say adviser.
In fact, the verse says many.
I never really thought too much about this until the last six months when I’ve needed some good advice on some complicated issues.
Dependent
Several years ago, “What Would Jesus Do?” was a popular phrase among Christians. This was the measure to use in decision-making. Pattern your behavior after Him. Not a bad idea, right? It’s a little harder to put into practice.
What Does Your Face Say?
When I was growing up, I imagined how cool it would be to have a videophone. This was a futuristic idea only seen on TV at the time. Well, it’s not futuristic anymore. It is common practice, especially now.
Inventory
Spring cleaning has taken on a new meaning these days. Closets, drawers and attics have been reorganized. Our yards and gardens may be looking better than years before. Surely there is some comfort gained while our to-do lists dwindle. But some people are entering into a restless phase while this virus continues to take center stage in our lives. I have begun to sigh when I hear the morose acronym...COVID-19.
What’s a Mom to do?
I’m not the family historian. Fortunately, other members have faithfully gathered helpful information and ancestral stories. I have two amazing grandmothers who lived through the Great Depression and World War II. Their faith that God would care for them remained strong. I also discovered a circuit riding pastor in my lineage, multiple church deacons, a cowboy who drove cattle to feed the confederate army, farmers, school teachers, a whaler, a constable and a physician.
Strongholds Be Gone!
As we discussed breaking down walls and strongholds in Bible study that morning I looked down at my hand. A recent surgery and stitches on my right little finger left behind some major scar tissue.