The job of parenting is constant. Even simple instructions need to be repeated over and over before they are learned. As parents, we seek to be patient and persevere because of the rewards we desire for our children, but the task isn’t easy. It doesn’t matter whether the lesson concerns “don’t touch,” “eat your vegetables,”…
continue reading »Have you ever made a decision out of fear and then regretted it? I have. Fear is not a sound foundation for decision making. When you are guided by fear, you can’t think clearly. More importantly, fear blocks faith. In I Samuel 17, we learn that for forty days Israel ran in fear when threatened by…
continue reading »My last post, on “Overcoming Trials: The Harder I Row,” reminded me of a time when I rowed until I felt I could row no more. In my weakness the Lord made His strength known. I learned that God’s grace really is sufficient. It was during the period when I was dying on the inside because of…
continue reading »Have you ever faced an impossible situation and longed for a way to overcome the trial? I’ll let you in on a secret. The secret to overcoming trials is not in trying harder. My mother was an excellent role model for a good work ethic, dependability, and perseverance. When she made a mistake that interrupted progress, she’d…
continue reading »As I write, I’m distracted by the action outside my window. Temperatures hover in the teens, snow continues to fall as if determined to hang around, and the birds, with feathers fluffed against the cold, arrive in droves to the feeders outside my window. Finches came first. Chickadees and nuthatches followed. Later cardinals began to…
continue reading »You may be asking why I seem stuck on the topic of Love. There are four reasons. (1) Love seems extremely important to God. In Jesus’ own words, it is the focus of the first and second commandments. (2) God used it to turn my life around. (3) It’s Valentine’s so I thought I might get away…
continue reading »Everybody needs and wants to be loved. In fact, psychologists and sociologist describe love, affection, or belonging as one of our top fundamental needs of human beings. In order to thrive as individuals, we need love. Consequently, for various reasons, people who—for whatever reason—don’t feel loved are constantly seeking it, often in the wrong places. However,…
continue reading »If you know Jesus Christ, you are not alone, because Jesus promised He would never leave or forsake those who love Him. Connecting with Him is a sure way to not feel lonely during early February when it seems the whole world is celebrating Valentine’s. However, something else will further fight the feeling of loneliness if you are down because…
continue reading »February is the season for Valentine’s. Newspapers, TV commercials, and stores fill with red and pink cards, chocolates, and roses. There is no escaping it. It is the season of love and lovers. If you aren’t somebody’s someone special, it can seem like you’re left out. Do you feel alone at Valentine’s? Love is a good thing and expressing it to…
continue reading »News is depressing these days. So much in our world, in our nation, and in our community is out of control that it seems we are headed to disaster, and yet I feel helpless to make a difference. Violence and immorality are rampant. Fear and distrust warp perceptions and decisions—maybe even mine. But, what can…
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