Have you ever made the mistake of not knowing someone after you met them? Recently I met with a few people to discuss an upcoming event. I knew only one person of the four and proceeded to introduce …
My One Word for 2016
In recent years one word has guided me throughout the next year. Last year my word was commit. I had a lot of work to do and needed to focus my commitment to accomplish it, with the Lord's help. I …
New Year, New Perspective
"But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians …
Joy to the World!
Joy breaks into darkness with hope! I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: he is Christ the Lord. Luke …
Unwrapping the Gifts of Isaiah 9:6
Gifts are sometimes bought as a result of strolling down the aisles of a store, looking for just the "right gift." We don't quite know what the gift should be, but we're sure to recognize it when we …
Simplicity at Christmas
Simplicity becomes elusive during the Christmas season. We are bombarded continually with advertising to buy something NOW. Shopping with the deadline for the best price brings stress to …
Ongoing Gratitude
Ongoing gratitude keeps our awareness of the Giver of the blessings in our lives beyond Thanksgiving. Year ago, this scenario played out in front of me every week. Rick’s car pulled …
Do You Fear or Trust?
Terrorist attacks. Political division. Economic uncertainty. Fear of family instability heading into the holidays. Increased health issues with test results that indicate major changes are …
Are You Stressed or Blessed?
The buzzing alarm of the smartphone awakened us on our travel day home, but the stress ratcheted up when we realized the clock on the smartphone was different from the bedside alarm clock. …
Recalculating Direction
Have you ever had to stop and ask for directions? Do you depend on a GPS or a map? Most likely, we all have needed to recalculate our direction. Several years ago, while sitting on the sofa …
Perspective for the Faith Journey
Have you ever had a change of perspective? Years ago our family took attempted downhill skiing. From the base of the mountain, I felt invigorated by the mountain air to rise to the challenge of …
Verses for the Faith Journey Essentials
In Essentials for the Faith Journey, four necessities are given for our spiritual growth: reading the Word of God, prayer, worship, and fellowship. Here are additional verses for each of those key …
Essentials for the Faith Journey
Hiking is a physical pilgrimage that parallels the spiritual faith journey in challenges and adventure. In our eagerness to start a hike in the dense forest on the Napali Coast of Hawaii, Rick and …
The Pack Shack : Be Neighborly
What's "Feed the Funnel" and The Pack Shack? At the recent Arkansas Women Bloggers University, I was perplexed to see an activity on the schedule for Saturday afternoon—“Feed the Funnel party for The …
Finding the Selah Moment to Rest in the Lord
Selah, a Hebrew word is regarded as a musical term indicating a pause or interlude. Beyond its musical implication, it can be a pause or rest for us in the activity of life. A selah moment would be a …
Diamonds in the Dust
Diamonds are fascinating, sparkling, and a symbol of love. When Rick and I were first head-over-heals in love during college, we ventured into engagement ring shopping. After searching many jewelry …
A Magnificent Mystery: Holiness and Grace
What comes to mind when you think of God’s holiness? Is He off somewhere on a far mountain? Is He unapproachable in a sanctuary dimly lit with candles? Or is He right where you are, in midst …
Ready for a Summer Escape?
Ready for a summer escape? The days are hotter and the air is humid. Ball games have been played and Vacation Bible School is over. The family vacation is either over or will occur in the next few …
What is Your Anchor for Hope?
The first time our family went to an ocean beach was memorable—not because of the serenity of gentle waves lapping the sand, but from crashing waves knocking us off our feet. At first it was a fun …
Overcome Temptation
Do you have an area in your life that you need to overcome temptation? It might be a big or small, but the temptation is like a pebble in the shoe rubbing us the wrong way or can smell as delicious as …