Today I hurried out on an errand, not wanting to be late. At my final destination I had to stop at a desk. The woman there greeted me warmly and I responded in my usual fashion. But, I was surprised when she said. "You're one of those positive people, I can see it in your face, too." I had been 'zooming' all morning and here it was 11:45 already. The task at hand was one for which I was grateful, but on the other hand, I so wished that it wasn't necessary. Really, I can't say that I was 'feeling' all that positive. And then I pretty much put it out of my mind. Until this … [Read more...]
Whether your relationship with your mom was good or not-so-good... on Mother's Day or any day, giving thanks for mom is the best way to honor her. I give thanks to my God upon every remembrance of you. Philippians 1:3 Happy Mother's Day! Having said that, I know too well that Mother's Day is NOT a joyful day of celebration for a lot of people. Some of us were not blessed with knowing our mother, or having a good relationship with her. Some have miscarried or had children die prematurely. And some of us did not have children for a host of … [Read more...]
This week my heart was encouraged as I read these verses.... Hurry with your answer, God! I’m nearly at the end of my rope.Don’t turn away; don’t ignore me! That would be certain death.If you wake me each morning with the sound of your loving voice, I’ll go to sleep each night trusting in you.Point out the road I must travel; I’m all ears, all eyes before you.Save me from my enemies, God— you’re my only hope!Teach me how to live to please you, because you’re my God.Lead me by your blessed Spirit into cleared and level pastureland. Psalm 143:7-10 The Message Have you … [Read more...]
A few days ago I felt like I received a revelation in my Bible reading. Would you follow along with me as I unpack my meanderings? As Jesus walked the countryside teaching people about the Kingdom of God, he often used parables. One day on the way to Jerusalem, he told those gathered around him a story, or parable, about an unjust judge and a persistent widow seeking justice. You may be familiar with this parable. I really like how the text comes to life in this translation of the Bible called, The Voice. He told them a parable, urging them to keep praying and never grow … [Read more...]
Written in the 1700s by Charles Wesley, Christ the Lord is Risen Today is my absolute favorite Easter hymn. So much so that if the church I attend on Easter does not sing it, it doesn't feel like Easter. Here are a few stanzas of my favorite Easter hymn. Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia! Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia! Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia! Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia! Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia! Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia! Christ has opened … [Read more...]
What do you do when you are going through a rough patch? Do you go to bed and curl up in the fetal position? Or...do you carry on praising God as if you're having the best of days? If you would like to download this encouraging 8x10 image click here. It's free! For personal use only. Okay...I confess... I might not do the first. But, this week has been extremely difficult and I surely haven't done the second, either. I'm not suggesting that you must do the second. But, it seems that Paul thought that we needed to have joy-filled hearts. All. The. Time. Except for the … [Read more...]
This week I was prodded to change my outlook on life. Somewhere in this great big invisible world we call the internet I read a phrase that stuck with me. Forget talking about your troubles. If we don't talk about our troubles...what do we do? Celebrate our joys! I have a good friend that I chat with irregularly via email. At this time in our lives it's the best form of communication. It's efficient. When we get the chance to talk on the phone....it's a looooong talk. And we usually don't have time to do that very often. Today I did something I don't usually do. I … [Read more...]
Okay...I'm going to admit it. I had a very shaky week. [sigh] More times than I can count, I had to dig down, pray, and proceed in faith. Even going for my walk (I try to get in four miles weather permitting) was difficult. Who put lead in my legs?? For lent I've been getting up earlier than normal. During this time I read a few Lenten devotionals and spend extra time in the word. In that darkness before dawn, I'm reading through the book of Romans. Slowly. I don't know how you do your reading, but when certain passages jump out at me from my old red … [Read more...]
Earlier this week I was sharing my life story. I concluded my monologue with the words, I have hope and HOPE does not disappoint us. Do you have hope? This week we hit a few new challenges in our journey in the "in between." Frankly, aside from trusting God, I could throw up my hands in despair. In sharing my story I realized that I am living in hope. My hope is not the kind you can conjure up. It's not hope based on positive thinking....though I do believe we need to choose a positive outlook. It's simply based on knowing God and believing that he is my … [Read more...]
Need true peace? Actually, most days it's amazing that I am not completely overwhelmed and stressed to the max. The only thing that keeps me from a full-blown panic attack is trusting God. The only thing. I'm a doer. A fixer. And right now I can't do or fix anything. Everything is out of my control. Except for one thing. I can choose to trust God. My mind can invent every scenario imaginable. My mind can be paralyzed so that it's impossible to accomplish anything. Or... I can choose to focus instead on God … [Read more...]
How was your week? Sometimes, we arrive at Sunday, the fresh squeaky first day of the week, all used up and worn out. We look ahead and sigh, already worn down with not-so-positive anticipation. Sometimes, we cannot wait to greet the new week and joyfully zoom off at full speed. Where are you on the continuum? Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. - Isaiah 25:1 NIV This week as I came across this verse I had a big … [Read more...]
This week we had a tough decision to make. If we decided one way....people would applaud us and cheer. If we decided another way....people would think we were being foolish. We were pretty certain in our hearts what the decision should be. And then we read this verse.... 15 Listen! The Lord, the Eternal, the Holy One of Israel says, Eternal One: In returning and rest, you will be saved. In quietness and trust you will find strength. But you refused. 16 You couldn’t sit still; instead, you said, “No! We will ride out of here on horseback. Fast horses … [Read more...]
The deeper your love, the higher it goes; every cloud’s a flag to your faithfulness. Soar high in the skies, O God! Cover the whole earth with your glory! And for the sake of the one you love so much, reach down and help me—answer me! ~Psalm 108:4-6 The Message One of my favorite things to do is to go for a walk and take in the beauty. Today, the sky was brilliant blue, the sun was intense, and the white crusty ground reflected both. Though the wind was biting I was warmed by the glory all around me. Do you ever go for a walk expecting to see the earth filled … [Read more...]
When I was reading this verse in my Bible, the words seemed really familiar to me. It seems that a pastor of a church I attended used to say something very similar when he prayed, just prior to preaching his sermon. May the words from my mouth and the thoughts from my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my defender. Psalm 19:14 GW Most of us have been taught to say only things that build people up and not run them down. What's the phrase? "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." We've also been taught to think the best of people. And some of us have … [Read more...]
In a few days the calendar will turn to the 14th. Valentine's Day. The day when the florists' couriers have the best job in the world. The day when we all have an excuse to do something amazingly kind and loving for our co-worker, our neighbor, our parent, our spouse, our child, our significant other, the person in line before or after us, almost everyone with whom we brush shoulders. Or not. It's a day that makes it abundantly clear that how we live our lives is all about choices. On this day, we can choose to receive the love of God and in turn, demonstrate it to others. Especially … [Read more...]
The road of life is difficult. Do you ever wonder if you'll make it? Then, if that's not enough...we're called to live holy lives. Really. I know, in this day and age, who talks about being holy? So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God … [Read more...]
Yet in the light of day, the Eternal shows me His love. When night settles in and all is dark, He keeps me company— His soothing song, a prayerful melody to the True God of my life. Psalm 42:8 ~ The Voice Isn't it comforting to know that all day long God demonstrates his love for us? Isn't it comforting to know that in the dark of night...God is with us? Isn't it comforting, at the end of the day, to remember what God has done for us and recount it to him? This is a way to put order in a stress filled day or to qualm anxious thoughts. There is one thing though. … [Read more...]
