When my daughter was young, she had a princess birthday party. Each child was given one of those free cardboard crowns from Burger King. Something about a crown makes us feel special, even a cardboard one.
All in Hope
Worthless
I admire people who have the natural gift to build things with their hands. My Dad is one of these types of individuals who can build just about anything. He has made me furniture, accessories for my kitchen, and small trinkets. His gifts are treasured and appreciated. As much as I love these pieces, I would never worship them
Bringing Our Excuses to God
“Mom, I want you to homeschool me,” replied my daughter. I could not help but laugh at that comment. The idea of me homeschooling my kids was a hilarious thought, at least that it was I told myself. However, my daughter was very serious about her comment. I knew my only response was to pray about it. When God made it very clear homeschooling was what I was supposed to do, I felt completely unqualified for the task. I struggled in school academically, how in the world could I teach my own? I started bringing all kinds of excuses to God.
Names
When I was in middle school and high school I used to get made fun of because of my name. Smart remarks or jabbing insults about it would cause me to resent the name I was given. As I matured in my walk with the Lord and allowed Him to build my confidence regarding my name, I learned to love and appreciate it.
Aroma of Knowledge
When I walk into my Mom’s closet her perfume scent immediately reaches my sense of smell. Her clothing, even after washing, still releases that sweet fragrance. Every time I open the door it makes me smile because that aroma is my Mom.
You are a Letter
In highschool I had several friends who moved away but we continued to keep in touch by writing each other letters. It allowed me to catch up with what was happening in their lives. Reading their sweet words made it seem as if distance was not a hindrance to our relationship.
Strengthening Exercise: Chin Lifts
These sentiments were spoken by Israel, but I suspect we’ve all felt this way at some point. Trials loom, and God seems absent. We don’t see God working for us, and we wrongly assume He has disregarded us.
Spring Fever/Spirit Fever
Have you ever had the feeling of Spring Fever? You just want to get out and do something. You might not even know what it is you really want to do. These words came to me during one of those times:
Trusting Jesus – Finding Your Place
When going through the seasons of life, you may struggle finding where you fit in. Things you once valued takes second place, and you look at life differently. Recently I heard a remake of Michael W. Smith’s song, “A Place in this World” by For King and Country.
Insta-Advent
Christmas is the time of year I look forward to the most. Friends and family coming
together, great food, and—the reason for the season--coming together for worship in
celebrating the birth of Christ. Inspired to write about this wonderful time, yet
simultaneously struggling with creativity, I turned to the most novel solution—scrolling
social media.
Thanksgiving is More Than a Holiday: Remember God
There are times when we feel alone as if God has sent us into exile, like the Israelites felt when exiled to Babylon for seventy years. The pain can be excruciating. Questions may arise that may lead to denial of the reality of our situation. We often cry when we recall our familiar, comfortable, and safe place where we felt God’s presence.
Thanksgiving is More than a Holiday: Make Much of God
The Bible notes praise and thanksgiving as two separate actions used to worship God. Generally, praise focuses on adoring God’s character, while thanksgiving features things God has done.
Building
What do you build on?
For many years … I found hope and joy from my next vacation or the next new, fun thing for my house or fancy meals eating out.
I built my hope on the things money can buy.
Consider This
Sandwiched! Troubles behind and troubles on the horizon. We’ve all been there, right?
What is your typical response when difficulty hits?
Words of Encouragement
My friend came to me asking for help. Her son’s illness and resulting difficulty had continued for years. She prayed repeatedly for his healing, but his condition remained the same. She was looking for answers to her questions and words of encouragement.
Orphans
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.
God Moments – Finding Peace When Life Changes
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.
Take it to Heart
But God is faithful. He promised to send a final prophet to awaken the hearts of His people. According to Constable: “Whether the original Elijah will appear before the day of the LORD, or if an Elijah-like figure, similar to John the Baptist, will appear, remains to be seen.”* We rest assured that God has it under control.