"Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord" Psalm 34:11
A thunderous crash, a booming thud, a screeching howl, and the kids are at it again. The playroom brightly decorated has been transformed into a war zone of exasperation and vexation between siblings. Sound familiar?I would imagine every parent who has more than one child could describe similar..."Daughter, you took a risk of faith, and now you’re healed and whole. Live well, live blessed! Be healed of your plague." Mark 5:34 MSG
One of the most touching stories in the Bible is about a woman who hemorrhaged for twelve years (Mark 5:25-34). Though we don’t know her name or her circumstances, we do learn enough to feel sympathy. She is desperate, penniless, and hopeless—until she hears about Jesus. She knew that if she can..."Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become." 2 Corinthians 12:10 MSG
God is not wasting the pain in your life. He never wastes a wound. He’s healing you at this very moment and using that pain to show you a dream bigger than you realize. But you need to trust Him. When you trust, you allow room for hope. When we are in the deep, deep valley we must hold on to the..."Be kind and compassionate to one another." Ephesians 4:32a
Ever have a colleague who offers a tissue in response to tears? A neighbor you’ve never met brings dinner over when she learns your mother passed away? A friend who offers to keep your young children so you can fly out to your grandma’s funeral? Though all might not be Christians, all are the..."But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life." Romans 6:22 NLT
Alcoholism. Abortion. Anorexia. Bulimia. Depression. Infertility. Addiction. Promiscuity. Marital infidelity. Problems in life are inevitable. That’s not the issue. Rather it’s what we do with the problems that separate the extraordinary from the ordinary women of the world. Some people..."The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock." Matthew 7:25
Daniel is an intelligent man. Worked his way quickly up the corporate ladder. Married Kristyn. Had everything going for him. Job. Great family with two kids. They were set for life. Bryan, on the other hand, struggled to make a living. Married at a young age. Had three children. He and..."May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge." Ruth 2:12
We have a coffee shop not far from our office called the Daily Grind. Not a bad name for a coffee place. But it’s usually the name we give to everyday life. Cranking out the daily grind… Doing dishes… Laundry… Going to work… Giving baths… Making your husband happy… Feeding the dogs… Taking them..."... For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision." Joel 3:14
Think back for a moment to the last time you were anticipating a special day. A big family vacation. Graduation day. The last day of school. Your child's birthday. Christmas morning. Special days filled with wonder, adventure, spontaneity, honor, blessing, and..."Teach me your way, O Lord; and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name." Psalms 86:11
Ever have difficulty trying to decide where to go for dinner? Imagine your parents are in town and want you to go with them, but your husband has a banquet he must attend. A heart divided between two loves.Such distractions are often minor. But, major ones exist too. Internal battles you fight..."... rooted and build up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Colossians 2:7
Isn't it so much fun to receive a "thank you" note? There are so many different types of "thank you" notes that have been designed. Many are simple and sweet... colorful and full of zest... stripes and polka dots... flowers and scenic landscapes... and so much more! And, the note..."Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:3-4
How is it that we can experience joy in times of pain? That’s because joy and happiness are not synonymous. Joy does not depend on our circumstances – happiness does. We can go through the ups and downs of life, the good times and bad, continuing to remain joyful. Where can we find joy when we..."Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights." Jonah 1:17
Think back to your wedding day for a moment. If you’re not married, dream ahead with me. Picture what it was like or what it would be like to have your sister or maid of honor fixing your hair and giggling with you in the dressing room. Picture yourself walking down the aisle,...
