”Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.” 1 Peter 3:15 (NLT) It’s so easy to fall into depression and sadness when you’re in pain. Yesterday, after a night with a migraine, I woke up in the… Continue reading Hope? Yes…Mostly
Waiting, Risking, Hoping
“I’ve kept my feet on the ground, I’ve cultivated a quiet heart. Like a baby content in its mother’s arms, my soul is a baby content. Wait, Israel, for God. Wait with hope. Hope now; hope always!” Psalm 131: 2-3 (MSG) My littlest daughter was supposed to have surgery this week and we have all… Continue reading Waiting, Risking, Hoping
Use Those Flatland-Times to Encourage Others
“God remembered us when we were down, His love never quits. Rescued us from the trampling boot, His love never quits. Takes care of everyone in time of need. His love never quits. Thank God, who did it all! His love never quits!” Psalm 136: 23-26 (MSG) I know three women who are struggling to… Continue reading Use Those Flatland-Times to Encourage Others
No, Me Do It!
“Spread for me a banquet of praise, serve High God a feast of kept promises, and call for help when you’re in trouble-I’ll help you, and you’ll honor me.” Psalm 50:15 (MSG) I’m not great at asking for help. My husband is always saying, “why didn’t you ask me to carry that”? My migraine has… Continue reading No, Me Do It!
There’s No Fish
“Don’t blame us for the sins of our parents. Hurry up and help us; we’re at the end of our rope. You’re famous for helping; God, give us a break.” Psalm 79: 8 (MSG) My young daughter has a betta fish she got for her ninth birthday. Who knew it would still be living 10… Continue reading There’s No Fish
A Record of Pain
“You’ve kept track of my every toss and turn through the sleepless nights, each tear entered in your ledger, each ache written in your book.” Psalm 56:8 (MSG) “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” Psalm 56:8 (NLT)… Continue reading A Record of Pain
Wasting Time
“Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything.” 1 John 3:20 (NLT) “For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.” (MSG) I was having extensive Mom-guilt last week about something way in the past, when a wise friend shared… Continue reading Wasting Time
Can’t Do It Alone
“Talk to him, and put the words in his mouth. I will be with both of you as you speak, and I will instruct you both in what to do.” Exodus 4: 15 (NLT) The above verse needs context. If you don’t remember the story of Moses, read Exodus 3 & 4. Moses was asked… Continue reading Can’t Do It Alone
Future Self
“So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. For we live by believing and not by seeing. Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be… Continue reading Future Self
Lost Its Sheen
“And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame.” 1 John 2: 28 (NLT) So, how’s your new year going two weeks in? The bright, shiny new year of 2022 has lost quite a bit of… Continue reading Lost Its Sheen
Extend Grace
“Jesus, overhearing, shot back, “Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? Go figure out what this Scripture means: ‘I’m after mercy, not religion.’ I’m here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders.” Matthew 9:12-13 (NLT) Do you concern yourself more with religious rituals or with extending mercy and grace to others? Sometimes people get… Continue reading Extend Grace