If Jesus took the time he needed to get on board and ready for the day, how much more do we need to do the same thing. Spiritual readiness does not happen by accident, we must be intentional about it.
All in Relationship with God
God Places Boundaries
Realizing that I have never had good control over my thoughts and feelings was a turning point. A biblical counselor once told me that my feelings were my idol. It was a tough truth to swallow.
The Gift of Memory
The scent of Pine stirred childhood memories of visiting my father’s “office,” a portable building beside the railroad tracks. Mondays through Fridays he loaded freshly cut Pine timber for shipping to a paper mill miles away. The scents and sounds of that busy spot returned as I watched a storm-damaged Pine tree transform into piles of sawdust and debris.
When My Heart Burns
“Mommie, my heart hurts. I think it’s Jesus kicking it because He wants in!” my granddaughter announced on the way to school. Did she feel preschool anxiety or had God created an opportunity for a spiritual conversation?
Drop those Chains
Is there any issue or situation that is keeping you in bondage? Pray and sing to Jesus;
there is power in His name! He can pull you out of the darkness.
New
It could be trying a new recipe or dabbling in a new craft. Enjoy reading a new book or traveling to new places. There is excitement wrapped up in the idea of doing something new. However, becoming a new creation in Christ is listed as one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life.
God Hold Me
“Mommy, hold you,” or “Mommy, I want you.” Sweet. precious words from my little girls when they wanted me to pick them up and hold them. I would immediately stop what I was doing, pick them up, and keep them close to me.
To Belong
Paul persecuted Christians: his ultimate goal was to wipe them out. So, when he came to the disciples claiming to be a changed man, they were skeptical.
Do You Hear?
My girls were attending a party which had a playground. The kids could play while the adults worked on getting the activities organized and set up. The kids had a wonderful time at the party, playing games, making crafts, and eating delicious snacks.
Connection
Just a normal day in Texas. A tornado warning hung in the air, but we rarely have a tornado this far South so why heed the warning? I went about my normal day.
Restored
Sometimes when you first meet someone, you are not sure how this relationship will go.
When I consider my relationship with God, I am shocked by what Scripture reveals about how He first perceived me.
Who Do I Fear?
Being a people-pleaser is not something to be proud of. It is based on fear of rejection, punishment, or abandonment. Not until recently did I realize that I work to please people more than I want to please God. Ouch! That’s a hard reality to face.
Change Within My Heart
Purifying. Refining.
These are godly words that sound good and they are good… in the end.
But have you been through it?
I have.
Refining can… hurt.
Aging With Gratitude: Because of God’s Purpose and Grace
God’s purpose or ours. Which do we most want?
Christ rescued us and invited us to live set apart for His sake—not because of anything we could do for Him. He accomplished this because of what He set forth before us by His matchless favor. This is true at all stages of life.
Aging With Gratitude: God Perfects My Way
Walking is one of my favorite activities, but. . . one misstep years ago and I fell straight down into the dark, dirt basement. I was thirteen and foolishly walked onto thin sheet metal—placed to prevent accidents—that covered the opening for our future brick fireplace. Fortunately, one deep gash on my shin was the only injury I suffered.
Aging With Grace: Never Too Old
God, the Father, is sometimes called “the Ancient of Days”—a title of respect, honor, and wisdom. I don’t know about you, but I’d prefer not to be referred to by age!
Praise from the Heart
She sat in my lap admiring the stars and the moon—my three-year-old granddaughter. She claimed the moon as her moon then burst out singing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star*. Little Caroline was awash with wonder, and her soul burst into song.
Loving God with All-of-Me!
My granddaughter introduced me to I Love You to the Moon and Back;* a children’s book so popular that the title has become a common phrase in the American culture!
Be a Psalmist
Why be a psalmist? Are you struggling with dark thoughts and troublesome feelings? I strove this way for over forty years. I prayed but wasn’t honest with God about my feelings.
When My Plan Doesn’t Work Out
“What if I can’t have a baby? What do I do with the rest of my life? That’s my purpose in life!” That was my prayer at the altar that day. My husband and I were facing the heartache of infertility.
Only a few times can I say I heard, without a doubt, the inaudible voice of God speaking to my heart. This was one of those times.