Spiritual Sluggishness in the Heat and Humidity
Stepping outside, the heat and humidity caused my glasses to fog over, temporarily blurring my vision. A few seconds later my sight was once again clear. The heavy air was oppressive. I also …
Spiritually Dry and Thirsty?
Has your spirit ever felt spiritually dry and thirsty? Have you had a drought in your walk with the Lord? During those times, it’s easy to slip into a ‘survival mode’ of not growing, just trying to …
10 Faith Verses
In the New Testament, many faith verses emphasize the saving work of God through Jesus Christ. It is the attitude of complete trust in Christ of reliance on him for all that salvation means (The New …
Mustard Seed of Faith
A little mustard seed charm led me to reminisce about the seed of faith. My grandmother, a widow who raised five children during the 1920’s, gave me a little charm bracelet when I was a young …
Snapshots of God’s Grace
Snapshots of God’s grace in summer. From watching our grandson for a week to having a vacation in the hills of Tennessee, these summer experiences and snapshots of God’s grace have …
Abundant Grace and Peace to You
The abundance of His grace and peace surround us. A morning walk around Lake Springdale brought the peace of the Lord to me after a week of windy storms. The sweet scent of honeysuckle floated in the …
Simple Gifts: The Finches Birth Announcement
Simple gifts are sometimes hidden, like a nest in a fern. For the past 2 weeks I have peeked once a day to see the simple gift of the development in a nest. Today I saw all four baby finches breathing …
8 Verses to Rest in the Refuge of God
Do you need a refuge to rest your spirit in the storms of life? The finch nest is secluded in a hanging fern near my back door. The mama stays on the eggs where I can’t see her. But when I open …
The Boomerang Blessing of Serving
Serving others takes many forms. It can be providing childcare for a single mom, volunteering at school or a non-profit organization or church. For me, it has taken the form of picking up a …
Fearful or Courageous?
Have you ever felt fearful and powerless, needing courage? Perhaps you’ve been shaken by rejection and fear to try again. You keep trying, but your best isn’t good enough. Maybe you …
A Song for Earth Day
The hymn “For the Beauty of the Earth” was in my mind during my morning walk. What an appropriate song on Earth Day! Earth Day is a good reminder to take care of the planet, but it …
Celebrating Resurrection Week, Part 2
Reflections on the Resurrection (continued from the previous post) Consider these additional blessings as a result of the Resurrection: 1. The Resurrection brings us triumph over death. We do not have …
Celebrating Resurrection Week, Part 1
Reflecting on the Resurrection Part 1 Everyday life continues after the celebration of the Resurrection. What difference does the Resurrection make? Reflect on these thoughts: 1. This event is …
Waiting for Redemption
Spring has struggled to appear this year. From Groundhog’s Day forward we have anticipated the end of winter, but the yoyo weather kept us guessing when the change will stay. Occasionally there’s a …
Overcoming Risk
“Do you have rocks in your head?” Although it’s a startling question, I knew what the person had in mind. Recently we returned home from a pleasant autumn vacation to Vermont where we gained the title …
Is the Daily Grind Getting to You?
There’s no way around it. We are busier beyond what we can handle. The flurry of activity of the daily grind becomes a badge of identification stating “I have so much to do.” We become addicted …
Training for Life
One foot, then the other, is carefully positioned ready to spring into action. Fingers poised on the starting line. Determination in their eyes. A hush of quietness for a brief moment covers the …
Applause for Heroes
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3 The noise in the crowded airport prevented much conversation as we waited by our gate. People dragging suitcases rushed past. Antsy toddlers …
Do You Hold God’s Hand?
Do you hold God’s hand? The small crowd headed toward the parking lot after exiting the theme park. I chatted with a woman as she jostled her two young grandchildren. Walking away in the group, …
Pathway to Praise: Renewed Hope
“We had hoped he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.” Luke 24:21 The early believers of Jesus Christ walked along the road, downcast and defeated. Hope was lost. Then unexpectedly, a divine …
