5 Powerful Effects of Worship
Worship is an uplifting way to draw near to God. A few moments of praise helps me gain a better perspective. My focus shifts from my situation to the Lord and I remember that God is …
Full Access Now Available…Through Jesus
The irritating error message popped onto my computer screen. “Access denied.” I thought I had entered the correct password, but evidently something was wrong. I re-entered a new …
What is Your Heart Posture? Draw Near to God Through Forgiveness
Our heart posture matters in how we draw close to God. Psalm 51 shows essential heart postures that can draw us closer to God through receiving His forgiveness. Have mercy on me, O God, according to …
Need A Better Perspective?
When life gets confusing or unsettled, we need a better perspective on our situation. Advice from friends, family, or online resources may help, but there’s the possibility that we …
3 Tips to Make the Most of Time
A new year has begun with all its promise, opportunity and challenge. We think about a fresh start, resolutions, goals, and TIME. We have many choices ahead regarding how we will spend our minutes and …
My Word for the Year
The week after Christmas is a great time to pack away the memories and prepare for the new year. As I unwind from the flurry of holiday activities, I reflect on the previous twelve months. God …
Guidance: Looking Back, Moving Forward
Guidance for the new year occurs through looking back over the past year before moving forward into the new one. Now is a good time to reflect on where you’ve been and what you hope to do …
Christmas Love Versus Fear and Loneliness
Christmas love brings to mind warm sentimental scenes created from movies. People are cozy and happy in television specials, getting along with everyone. However, in real life, the …
Christmas Joy Versus Despairing
Waiting for joy. Outcasts on a hillside watching their sheep. Suddenly life changed forever. The angel’s announcement shocked them. But the angel said to them, …
Christmas Hope Versus Darkness
Hope gets stirred up during December through the anticipation Christmas gifts. Kids anticipate their favorite toy or video …
Christmas Peace versus Chaos
Everyday situations and people rob us of peace is we let them. A baby in the night cries and the mom wonders if she’ll ever have a silent night again. The caregiver of a terminally ill person wonders …
Seven Tips to Prepare for Christmas
“Prepare the way for the Lord.” Centuries ago, the prophet Isaiah spoke those words that changed history. God was preparing the way for our Savior. The …
Thanks-Living, The Benefits of a Thankful Heart
An attitude of gratitude cultivates many blessings and benefits. Benefit 1: A thankful heart acknowledges reliance of God. God is the giver of the big and small blessings in each day. …
Everyday Gratitude
Gratitude increases our awareness of the Giver of the blessings in our lives. Year ago, this scenario played out in front of me every week. Rick’s car pulled into the driveway; the engine turned …
Fearful? Worried? Embrace God’s Promises
Promises are made through quiet words spoken with fingers crossed behind the back or by statements of conviction sealed with a firm handshake. Which do you prefer? The value of a promise is dependent …
How is Your Endurance?
Endurance varies from person to person, depending on the activity and motivation. My husband and I both walk for exercise. At one time I was the more consistent, faster-paced walker and he …
Ready for the Season of Change?
Every day reveals more evidence that the season is changing. The warm wind has an occasional touch of coolness in it. The tips the leaves of our maple tree are turning red; within a week …
Are You a Lifelong Learner?
“Daddy I have the best teacher EVER!” Those words drifted through my open windows on the first day of school. Outside a little girl trotted home in her new school clothes and backpack.Her …
Are You Mindful of Your Mindset?
Our mindset develops every morning when we open our eyes and get out of bed. The new day is before us; we have a choice of what mindset we’ll have throughout the day. Have you noticed that when …
Olympic Moments: Focus and Press On
The focus of many of the conversations in our house has been the Olympic performances. How do athletes tuck their bodies to spin and flip off mats and platforms so skillfully? My brain would …
