This summer my youngest daughter learned how to jump off the diving board. She would approach the diving board with her head held high, full of assurance that she was just as big as those kids around her.
All in Forgiveness
The Transparent Woman
One morning I was in front of my vanity mirror putting on my make-up. My youngest daughter walked up to me with a curious look upon her face.
Complain Less, and You’ll Be Happier
I love to see scientific studies back up Bible verses. While I’m not surprised, I just think it’s fun to watch science catch up.
Just today, I read an article on how complaining and negativity rewires your brain for anxiety and depression.
Overdue Apology
I looked forward to youth group every week. My mom dropped me off at the back door of the church and I darted through the hall, heading up the stairs to the unfinished “attic” where we met on Wednesday nights. I couldn’t wait to see my friends and hear the music and message to grow my faith.
Formed, Forgiven, Never Forgotten!
Throughout the Old Testament we see a “remnant” of God’s followers who live through the hardest circumstances and the greatest sins. They came back to God time and again and received forgiveness.
The Glue that Repairs the Cracks
My husband and I were trying to find the right place. The jazz concert had been moved to a different venue on campus, so it wasn’t happening here!
Dusty Books
I sat down to read and turned on the table lamp beside me. As light spread across the table, I saw a fine white powder coated its surface and even the books resting there.
Return and Repent
Unfortunately the lessons of the thornbushes can be many and exceedingly prickly if you wander your own way, as the nation of Israel persisted in doing. Sin became our downfall way back in the garden.
A Cleansing Walk
I love to wear black for two reasons. First, it goes well with my dark hair and eyes. Second, it doesn’t show dirt. I can wear a white blouse for about five minutes before I get it dirty. When I wear black, I can still look clean at the end of the day. Though the dirt is most definitely there, it is not visible.
Grace That is Greater
During a small gathering of women in a weekly Bible study group, I asked a question for each to answer.
“What allows you to share your faith story with others, whether Jesus-followers or not?”
“Grace. God’s grace.” Everyone answered the same around the table.
From Disappointment to Adoration
Disappointment—that which we experience when expectations or wishes are not met. All of us face numerous disappointments throughout life—someone says something that hurts, a project fails, an illness interrupts plans…
Forty More Days
And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land (2:10). Whew, a bit of drama! In my mind’s eye I see Jonah shaking off the gastric juices of that big fish with a shudder. What a relief!
Uncommon Forgiveness
The new widow entered the sanctuary alone. I walked behind her. Her young daughters were already seated with my two teens. As I followed her to the front-row pew, an unexpected thought caught me off-guard. Walk alongside the grieving widow and hold her hand.
From Disappointment to Adoration
Disappointment—that which we experience when expectations or wishes are not met. All of us face numerous disappointments throughout life—someone says something that hurts, a project fails, an illness interrupts plans… The list could go on and on. How do you handle disappointment?
God Knows
Have you ever heard the term “white lie”?
It means a small lie that doesn’t do any harm.
Is there such a lie?
Forgive in the Storm
I don’t forgive easily… do you?
When things are peaceful… it is easier to forgive.
But what about in a storm of life?
Seeking Freedom
Sometimes we find ourselves in the midst of trials of our own making. Because we are imperfect and human, we mess up. We sin, and sometimes experience the natural consequences that come with the choices we make.
Living in Victory
A new year is a good time to reflect on the past, make changes that improve life, and to honestly deal with any unconfessed sin. God is always faithful to forgive and remove it, but Satan sometimes has other plans for lingering guilt and shame.
Forgiveness
Words can hurt … deep within the soul.
In that moment of pain … I have a choice … revenge or forgiveness?
My response matters.