My daughter cracks me up with all the things she says. One of those phrases is, wait . . . what? This is what she says every time she misses something or wants something repeated.
All in Encouragement
Bean Soup: Day 5
That our culture—like Esau—is one of instant gratification, is hardly news. The soaring statistics in both credit card debt and divorce have been proof of this fact for many years. The following chart is a stunning summary of what has happened to American/Western culture in the last century and a half:
Modernism: the late 19th/early 20th century. Personal experience questions truth.
Post-modernism: mid-late 20th century. Personal experience defines/chooses truth.
Pseudo-modernism: 1990’s—today. Personal experience creates truth.
“Who Knows?”
I was 23 when tragedy struck our family. My mom lost a courageous battle with cancer. I found myself despondent and somewhat lost. I learned a valuable life lesson from God’s Word that can be summed up in 2 words: Who Knows?
Help, I'm Falling!
“Mrs.___, have you fallen lately?” Young people have yet to encounter that question. My husband and I have. We laugh when we share the experience because as a couple we average about three or four falls a year. We fall off ladders, in flower beds, down stairs, and sometimes for no reason. Welcome to the world of seniors.
Help, I'm a Mess!
“I can’t find anything after I put it away. I know I need to organize, but I just don’t know where to start. I want to invite friends over, but my house is such a mess. I want less clutter, but I just can’t figure out how to get started.” Sound familiar?
Help, I'm Drowning!
“Lucas, get your soccer shoes from the utility room. Katie, the half-time snack is in the refrigerator. Sean, come here so Mom can button your jacket.”
Whole Heartedly
Have you ever found yourself putting off a challenging task until the last minute or indefinitely? I know I have.
Pray the Word
When you don’t know what to pray… because there are no words… what do you do?
I have learned…
Use God’s message to help you. That will be like a sword that God’s Spirit puts in your hand (Ephesians 6:17b Easy).
A Song of Love
I could recognize the melody but not the words. It was my son singing his seven-year-old daughter to sleep.
The Impact of One Woman
I am a life that was changed by one woman stepping into the life of one woman.
Freeze Warning
After the unexpected bad weather we experienced a couple of years ago in South Texas, people took the anticipated freeze warning seriously. The forecasted eighteen degrees definitely fell below any normal winter temperature in the South.
Not on Our Own
We are all on a journey. Interestingly enough each one travels his or her own unique path, but there are commonalities that tend to draw us together.
Seasons: Day 4
During a recent lunch conversation, a friend and I got on the topic of “significant” birthdays. The particular number under discussion was one looming on her horizon, but solidly in my rearview mirror, making me the expert on the subject.
Seasons: Day 3
If you ask young children to name the seasons, some might answer, “Christmas, Easter, July 4th and Halloween.” Following that train of thought, the sign of each new season would be the bursting forth of appropriate merchandise on the shelves of local retailers. Ah, sad, but true…
Seasons: Day 2
On day 4 of Creation, God placed two great lights in the heavens. Lights we recognize as the sun and our moon; one direct and one reflective.
Seasons: Day 1
As I write this, it is August and it is hot. The recent rains were only a temporary respite from temperatures that promised 90’s and threatened 100’s. But, I know this: the heat of August won’t last forever and better days—days of dappled sun and fall breezes—are ahead. I know that because I have experienced many years and many seasons.
God, the Gift-Giver
As I studied my Christmas shopping list this morning, I remembered a statement I’ve heard my pastor, David Dykes, say many, many times: “You are never more like God than when you give.” Our God is a giver. In fact, the Word says that every good and perfect gift is from him.
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.
Take My Hand, Dear One
Our journey through this life has many perilous intersections, dangerous drivers, split second decisions, and blind curves. Our Heavenly Father offers His hand of safety in the form of His Laws, like the Ten Commandments and His warnings throughout the New Testament.
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!