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
5 Ways to Get an Infusion of Hope
We work our bodies hard to build strong muscles. We eat the right foods to keep our body systems healthy. And to stay spiritually fit, we feed our hearts and minds a healthy diet of God’s Word. But we are still human, not immune to one of the most common maladies: a sense of hopelessness. Sometimes even the strongest of us may find ourselves in need of a fresh infusion of hope. 1. Infusion of Hope When You’re Feeling Unappreciated And endurance develops strength of character, and character ... read more
How to Transform Your Quiet Time from Average to Outstanding
You set your alarm the night before and got out of bed as soon as it went off. You poured hot, fresh coffee into your favorite mug (or maybe you enjoy tea) and took a seat in your favorite chair. Now you are in a quiet room or sitting on your porch. You pray, asking God to speak to your heart as you read His Word. That's what we want when sit down with our open Bibles--to hear God speak directly to our need. But we don't always hear Him. Or maybe our quiet times seem mundane. One simple thing ... read more
Carrying The Fragrance of Christ
“Mmmmm. You smell like you. I like this.” After parenting for almost twenty years, a contented sigh and these words in the midst of an embrace never get old. I’m a wearer of perfume, and I have several favorites. But for my girls, one particular fragrance stands out. It’s their favorite on me. When they smell it, they think of Mom. Or as Abby writes it, Momma. Years ago, when my kids were very young and I would go out of town, I followed someone's suggestion to spray a little of my perfume on ... read more