May I be completely transparent here? When people tell me God speaks to them, I’m more than a little envious. Why them and not me? Is it because I’m not spiritual enough or important enough? Am I not praying correctly or meditating enough (or at all)? Am I too self-involved to hear His still, small voice? If any of you …
If Only They’d Listen!
If you’re like most parents, you pray for your kids. Even if you’re not much of a pray-er, you pray for your kids. When mine were small, I probably prayed more for them to sleep well than anything else, and I’m pretty sure it was for my benefit rather than theirs. The older they got, the more intense the prayers. …
Keep on Walking
I’ve been reading a “new” book—I ordered it almost a year ago and it sat in my stack. Do you have one of those stacks? Books you’ve collected with every intention to read, but somehow can’t find the time? I really hope I’m not the only one. Anyway, I found it as I was packing to move across country and …
Metaphors
I truly love how the Bible is the living, breathing Word of God. When I hear comments that it’s an ancient book that has no bearing on our lives today, I’m stunned. Those who can make such claims surely haven’t delved into the rich history, divine guidance and timeless lessons that can be gleaned each time its tissue-thin pages are …
Detours
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds…” James 1:2. I love the book of James, although I will admit the above verse has confounded me in the past. Joy when facing a trial? Is that even possible? I believe it is, when we have the right perspective—and it isn’t ours. Less than two weeks …
Cheap, Plastic Beads
Last year, my husband and I did a couples’ study of Romans 12 with Chip Ingram. In one of the DVD’s he told a story of a little girl who vacationed with her family at the beach. Around her neck, she wore cheap, plastic beads, which she treasured. There was an old fisherman who noticed her love for these beads. …
A Do Nothing Attitude
I have an issue with “quiet time.” You’d think since I work from home, have no children to care for (mine are grown and gone) and live smack in the middle of twenty acres, I’d be a pro at it. It’s not that I have a problem being alone—because I don’t. But “quiet time” is something of an enigma for …
Prayers of the Heart
Last week, a young Christian man told me, “I would give just about anything so my wife wouldn’t have to work.” They have two very young children at home. He’s self-employed, and the only reason she works is to provide them with health insurance. My response was, “Have you prayed about it?” He hesitated a moment before explaining that he’s …
A Heart to Listen
It’s so easy to get wrapped up in life and miss out on the simple pleasures. Like going on autopilot at times when I drive a familiar route, the days pass by in a blur and I’ve missed out on the gifts with which God surrounds me. I do that for too long, and my spirit sinks into apathy—or worse, …
Gossip is Contagious
Gossip is contagious. Someone will say, “Guess what I just heard…” and many of us won’t think twice about asking, “What?” In fact, we might just delight in the possibility of hearing something juicy or negative. More so if the target of gossip is someone who’s offended us. Payback. That’s exactly what happened the other day. The words, “Guess what …
