Mary and Martha is a favorite story of many, especially with those of us who have neither the energy nor the organizational ability to operate at Martha-level. And Jesus’ gentle rebuke seems to be encouragement to simplify our life and center it on Him.
Yesterday, as I sat on our backyard deck and basked in the warmth of the Son, God moved my heart to praise Him. I'd just returned from a gathering of women who were assembled to learn about a local organization that supports teenage girls in foster care.
Can I be brutally honest with you for just a little second? Promise you won't judge me? Today was the first day in five days that I stopped my own agenda long enough to sit quietly before the Lord.
I have a friend who is gifted with thoughtfulness. Every time I see her, she has a little gift for me.
In the Bible, Romans 8:1 tells us, There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. We know this truth fundamentally but sometimes not so much in experience.
I noticed a For Sale sign in a yard yesterday. Written at the bottom of the sign in bold red letters were the words TOO LATE. I remarked to Jerry that life is full of those signs. I think we all experience them.
I have always been afraid of loud, angry men. I feared all men because I thought they were all angry. I even felt that way about God for many years.
My mind is often a whirlwind of thoughts, a far cry from a calm mind. I fixate on perceived threats. My thoughts run rampant and hinder my ability to fully embrace life and live by my values. It's a constant struggle and one that can be incredibly disheartening. But there is hope for change!
Like an inflated ball is not designed to stay underwater, we are not designed to suppress our feelings. Doing so results in harmful health consequences.
There have been times when I felt small and undeserving of God’s love and help. I questioned why He would do something for me. Yet, His grace and power have miraculously transformed me!
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.
Change isn’t my favorite word. Change can be good when it brings improvement in something and makes you happy. However, change can bring sadness when you must face something that you were not expecting – a broken relationship, illness, or a financial crisis.
Pieces of fabric and cotton stuffing blanketed the floor. My little dog whimpered as his favorite toy had been torn up by a bigger dog that didn’t realize she had a prized possession in her mouth.
The emotional and physical toll Alzheimer’s takes on the patient and family is grueling. Alzheimer’s is a cruel illness.
But I have learned to capture some beautiful moments in the conversations I share with my uncle who, for the last several years, has been dealing with the disease.
As a child I loved going to my uncle’s farm. He asked if I could come to the farm after school one day. When I arrived -- there she stood. Her blonde mane and her light brown fur gave her such beauty.
“Are you sure these straps will hold the both of us,” I asked as the skydiving instructor checked all the buckles on my harness. “I am sure,” he said. “Besides whatever happens to you happens to me. And I don’t want anything happening to either of us,” he added smiling.
God’s Word to us is to be read, studied, applied, obeyed, and prayed.
I love getting gifts! Most of us do. I especially enjoy getting an unexpected surprise. Last year I received a beautiful surprise orchid! And it’s in bloom again as I write this.
Remember when your mom said, If you ____ (fill in the blank), then I will____ (fill in the blank)? It depends on the if what the then would be. Then depends on what you did with the if. Joyful or painful! Blessing or curse.
Isn’t it wonderful when life is chugging along without a crisis? These seasons are pleasant, but what happens for a believer when life falls apart, or someone tears us down, or seeks to harm us? Have you ever seen God do the most amazing things in the middle of a crisis? Did your faith grow?
