Recently I asked a group to give thanks for specific things. Each took a turn sharing. Except for one, who commented, “Shouldn’t we be thankful all year round? If I state that I’m thankful for one specific thing, it takes away the value of how thankful I am about other things.” True, we should be thankful all year round. But it got me thinking. Why should we be thankful for specific people, places, or things? I thought about it all day while the chorus “Count your many blessings, name them ... read more
9 Truths About the Enneagram and Personality Typing
Transformation. Change. We leave the old behind and embrace the new. The vast majority of social media posts with a #transformation hashtag are about lifestyle improvement. From weight loss to minimalism, people want to become a better version of themselves. Enter personality typing. It's been around for a long time and quizzes abound. It appears the Enneagram and personality typing is the new kid on the block. But the Enneagram personality typing system has been around longer than most ... read more
How Our Words Can Brighten Our World
Where would we be without words? We use them constantly. We speak and think them. And we write and text them. Combined with music, they become the language of the heart. Even our body language translates into unspoken words. Crossed arms and a scowl can say, I’m mad at you. A gentle touch or a hug can say, I love you. A few mornings ago when I came downstairs for my coffee, my sweet man asked me how I slept. I wasn’t quite awake, and I hadn’t found my voice. But I squeaked out, “Fine.” He ... read more
Are You A Rule Follower?
Are you a rule follower? There are rules for everything. Rules for games and sports. Rules for punctuation, and rules for completing math problems. Even rules for how we behave at work and at school. In some cases, the word guidelines might be more effective. Some of us simply aren’t rule followers. We want to do things our own way. No matter the consequences. We think we know better. And sometimes we might. But when we don’t, things can fall apart. For Israel, part of possessing the ... read more
More of God — REVIEW
God desires a growing relationship with us. He wants more of us. And I think most of us want more of God. The key to both is time together. And not just any time, but quality time. Quality time includes focused communication, free from distraction. Our culture, however, encourages the opposite. We are a busy people. Parents are involved in their children's activities from the time they can barely stand up. Many jobs require more than forty hours per week. College students go to school full-time ... read more
Celebrating One Year Alcohol Free!
I debated whether to write this post. In fact, I’m a little nervous about how life will go once I post it! But a year has passed since I obeyed and said yes to God’s no regarding alcohol consumption. I wish I could say it's been five years, or more! I resisted far too long. It hasn't been easy, but God met me step for step. One year alcohol free is reason to celebrate and honor Him for this work in my life! It’s important to understand that what God said to me, I am not saying He said to ... read more
From Empty to Filled with Joy
Often feeling empty and distant from the Lord is caused by our not spending quality time with Him every day. Our relationship can be restored simply by re-establishing our daily quiet times. Sometimes, however, our loss of fellowship is because we harbor unconfessed sin. When we make a mess of our lives—accidentally or even on purpose—God has a plan for restoration. (Thank goodness!) His desire is for us to be filled with joy through confession and repentance. Have you ever done something you ... read more
From Empty to Filled with Love
Do you remember your first love? Waiting in the hall with bated breath, watching for that first glimpse as he rounds the corner, the catch in your heart when your eyes meet, smiling so big your cheeks hurt, surges of electricity when he grabs your hand, shoulders bumping in the crowded hall on the walk between classes. If you're my age, you waited at home for his phone call and then talked for hours - finally ending with your ears throbbing and arm muscles sore from holding the receiver to your ... read more