My area has seen a fair amount of rain over the past week. Rain is normal and needed especially during the hot, humid days of summer. But the intensity, ferocity, and duration with which the… More
How to Know God’s Will for My Life {Part 2}
As a believer one of the greatest struggles that we experience is discerning what the Lord’s will is for our lives. After setting aside our will and submitting to the Father’s, we yearn for Him to show us and tell us clearly the direction He wants us to follow. And while I believe that the Lord honors those who follow His will, His ultimate goal is not to provide an expedient, easy answer. His will goes far beyond logistics; His plan centers around providing opportunities for us to grow and ultimately to become more Christlike as we wait for God’s plan to unfold. Continue reading “How to Know God’s Will for My Life {Part 2}”
How to Know God’s Will for My Life (Part 1)
One of the greatest struggles that we experience as Christians is discerning what the Lord’s will is for our lives. Oh, if He only left a personalized note, an audible message, or wrote His words using a skywriter or a billboard – how much easier it would be. But alas, God does not communicate with us via those avenues, but thankfully, He does indeed speak to us, and rest assured, if we are willing to wait, follow, and listen, He will show us His will.
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Praising the Lord in All Times
I am an early riser. My alarm clock first sounds at 4:45am. After a few not so gentle smacks of the snooze button, my eyes begin to open to the new day at around 5:00am. But during those in between moments of waking, my ears are fully alive and busy taking in the sounds of the morning. Those early morning hours are void of the chaotic sounds of the day. There is peace and stillness in the air as the uninterrupted sound of a gentle breeze ushers in a new day.
Parents: Open Up Your Eyes to the Problem of Pornography
I remember the details like it was yesterday. They are ingrained in my memory, stamped and etched in a place of perpetual recall. While I do not remember my exact age, I estimate I was either in fifth or sixth grade. It was a weekend visit to my father’s house that first exposed me to the world of pornography.
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Embracing the Sorrow in Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving. The time of the year to reflect on all that we are thankful for. Yet, for some reason, this year my heart is quite burdened. While I truly am grateful for so much in my life, my heart can’t seem to break free of bearing the burden of so many close to us that are traversing through challenging times. Cancer, illness, wayward children, suicide, financial hardships, addiction, bitter relationships…and all of that is just within the walls of my circle of friends. Mingle in the sinful, divisive climate that bathes our society, and you have cause to feel the weight of the world.
Allowing the Lord to Say No to Your Children
It was the summer before my son’s freshman year in high school, and he had one request of me: “Mom, can I join the football team?”
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How the Time Flies
I remember the moment so clearly. I was a mom of three small boys ages 4, 3, and 1. It was a beautiful spring day so the boys and I packed up the stroller to walk down to our park. As the older boys ran and jumped and played, I pushed my giggling little guy on the baby swings. Not meaning to eavesdrop, but being too close to avoid hearing, I listened in on a conversation between two moms.
When Waiting on the Lord is Hard
Waiting patiently has never been one of my best attributes. My trouble started early on. As a child, I always knew where my mother kept our Christmas gifts hidden, and I made it a point, with great regularity, to spy and peek at the stash. I simply could not wait until Christmas.
Following The Lord’s Will
For the past several days I have been contemplating the time that Jesus spent in the Garden of Gethsemane praying. I’ve been struck by the words that scripture uses to tell us about the emotions of that evening. I’ve combed through various Bible translations noting these words.
Searching for the Silver Lining
I am prone to negativity. When my tongue is unrestrained it lends itself to complaining, biting sarcasm, and criticism. How’s that for a dose of honesty? Similarly, my thoughts can easily meander down the same pessimistic path. I’ve needed to fess up to this less-than-Christlike attitude and confess it for what it is: sin. I am prayerfully working on changing my perspective. Decades of pessimistic practice have made this a hard habit to kick. But I am thankful that the Lord has opened my eyes to it and given me the opportunity to change.
Life in the Van 