Gossip and slander are often associated with high school girls—jealousy, insecurity, boys. Girls who gossip are mean. However, as we grow into women, we refine our vernacular so that when we speak to friends, it’s tempting to justify our idle talk.
Fuzzy Fruit
It’s the first morning in quite some time you’re not rushing out the door, finally getting to make your favorite smoothie with the fresh berries you bought at the grocery store the other day. Things have been so hectic lately— it was just the other day, right?
Fun
Has a single word ever convicted you? Maybe it was your “Word of the Year?” Predominantly, my annual words have been topics or scripture-based commands by which the Holy Spirit convicted me. Recently, I was humbled when the Lord convicted me of “wait” and “together” not just one, but two years in a row
Belay On
Gazing through my stunted window, it registered that this is what trials of my life may look like from God’s perspective.
A Bit Prickly
My mind holds vivid memories of being dragged to go shopping as a child, often and with various members of my family. Clothes and malls weren’t my thing back then, but I did enjoy plant nurseries—perusing through aisles of God’s creations, seeing the variety in shapes and colors, brushing my fingers along the—ouch! Cacti.
Believe Up
When I heard those words from a friend, I felt no compassion. I certainly did not encourage her. The only emotion I could muster was anger.
Strong Muscle Success
My challenge was getting up off the floor without so much struggle and weird noises. I wanted to do it with ease, without grabbing hold of everything in sight to hoist myself up.
Just LOVE It!
“There’s McDonalds! I just LOVE McDonalds! I see Chick Fil A! I just LOVE Chick Fil A! Whataburger! I LOVE Whataburger!”
Our Go To
The crowds followed Jesus—some out of curiosity, others anticipating physical healing. Did their anticipation lead them to understand the spiritual benefits they would also receive?
All Things Together
Consider a string of yarn. It may be a pretty color and seem strong. Yet, one strand by itself does not serve much purpose.
Guard the Treasure
Over the years, I have been gifted many varieties of flowers and plants by my mother-in-law, Joyce, which beautify my yard. That I knew nothing about growing things never deterred her. Whenever she came to my house, she would bring cuttings or thinnings from her garden.
Enemy Tactics
Hezekiah, king of Judah, was one of the few kings to earn the distinction of doing what was right in God’s eyes. His father, Ahaz, however, did not. Ahaz established idol worship in Judah, encouraging God’s people to sin.
No Wasted Time
Ladies, do you ever feel like life isn’t moving ahead? Like you’re stagnating? I seem to be stuck in that stage of life right now. I miss the excitement of new adventures and the passion of mission. It’s almost time for the current stage to end but not quite. A few things need to wrap up first. But it seems to be taking a lot longer than I had anticipated.
Life-Giving Words
God’s parallel of the water cycle to His word demonstrates its immeasurable worth. Both rain and Scripture originate in the heavens and are sent as a gift to all the earth. God’s word and rain both accomplish God’s purpose before returning to Him.
Simply Because You Love Me
I could hardly believe it! I was moving into my new house that I had never even seen. My husband had called me a month prior saying he was putting a contract on a house. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I was unable to see the house first.
We Know That God Hears Us
Have you ever asked God for something you didn’t know at the time the magnitude or consequences of His answers would be?
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.
How to Connect to the Heart
Recently, I wondered if there was a “recipe” for transferring head knowledge of God’s word to my heart, where I believe and experience things. Knowledge gets stuck in my head, and then I wonder why there is no growth.
Strong Confidence
There is no confidence apart from trust. Confidence is assurance, certainty, and boldness. Trusting God is a part of what fearing God looks like. But what does it practically mean to trust God?
Speaking the Truth
Why is it hard to tell others the truth? We might be mocked and minimized. Maybe we don’t want to hurt others’ feelings. Maybe they will reject us. Maybe they will be angry. Maybe relationships will change.