It's hard to keep a pure heart with the noise of the world through television, social media, and the internet constantly invading our lives. Are the words we hear encouraging or …
How do You Guard Your Heart?
"I thought you'd call sooner." The voice on the phone was full of criticism and disappointment. I sensed coldness as she continued talking about the stress in her life. I listened, …
Can You Embrace God’s Delight and Love for You?
“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah …
What is the Condition of Your Heart?
I wasn't prepared the first time I visited someone in the hospital with a heart condition after bypass surgery. The heart had blockage that needed surgical correction and now the patient was …
The Heart of Perspective
The mid-winter trees sparkled with frozen beauty. The branches glistened from frozen fog and light snow. But when I looked at the other side of the trees, the limbs appeared …
Persevere in Everyday Life – Don’t Give Up!
At my Bible study group, I shared about having a word for the year as a guide and encouragement. One gal had never done it before, and as we talked, she perked up with, “I have my word!” She was …
Cling to God’s Faithfulness in Times of Change
Change and adaptation will continue as aspects of our lives in 2021. The events of 2020 will continue to impact our lives fo some time. The ways we shop, dine out, and travel are different …
The Light of the World Banishes Fog
The winter fog engulfed the open countryside. A recent ice and snow accumulation blanketed the ground with white, while the thick fog painted the air white. It was hard to distinguish the horizon line …
New Year, New Hope
The New Year brings hope for a better days ahead. The Christmas decorations are packed away. Memories of the holiday 2020 linger, of the year that families had to be creative to see each …
Set Goals to Grow in the New Year – Deep Rooted
Today I'm pleased to welcome guest blogger Kathy Howard, author of the new release, “Deep Rooted.” ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ This time of year, …
The Greatest Gift: Redemption, Born in the Manger
God has given us the greatest gift at Christmas. The gift was Jesus, born in a manger for our redemption from the curse of sin and death. "For God so loved the world …
Holding On To Hope in a Weary World
How are you holding on to hope in a weary world? With the pandemic and many uncertainties, people need hope. As we wait for the end of this difficult year, we don't know how long the …
Worship Through Prayer in Times of Uncertainty
Worship appears throughout the Christmas story, not just at the birth of the Savior. When Mary learned that she would be the mother of Jesus, she asked the angel "How can this be?" The …
Thanksgiving Prayers In the Bible
Prayers of thanksgiving are a necessary part of the believer's life, not just during a season of the year. It is a spiritual discipline for everyday life. The Bible offers …
Are You Weary in Prayer? Press On!
Do you ever feel weary in prayer? Waiting for an answer seems long. We get impatient and want to give up. At those times, we have to remember Jesus’ words in Luke …
Why is Prayer Important?
The pandemic has been challenging to keep in touch with family and friends; sometimes it is easy, other times it is hard. If I don’t communicate with loved ones, how would they know me? How would I …
Simple Prayer Instructions
Have you ever attempted to do something without the instructions? The other day I decided to bake a favorite recipe for baked oatmeal, one that I've created many times. I glanced at the directions …
Fellowship: Burning Flame or Isolated Ember?
Several nights a week, Rick and I sit by the fire pit in our backyard. Rick builds a fire, carefully arranging the kindling and small logs. When the kindling is lit, fire flares up as the logs catch …
Wondering Which Way is Best? Are the Directions Correct?
Recently, Rick and I were driving along an interstate highway in eastern Illinois and needed a break. We stopped at the next wayside rest area. When we walked around the sidewalks through the grassy …
Wondering Which Way is Best? Are the Directions Correct?Read More
Remain Secure in God’s Promises
Psalm 121 is one of the pilgrimage psalms sung by ancient sojourners (Israelites) travelling to the hills of Jerusalem. They looked forward to arriving at the their destination with hope, believing in …
