Gray Days: Thoughts on Discouragement

“Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 When our children were little, we spent many hours reading together.  One of their most favorite stories was Dr. Seuss’ My Many Colored […]

Perseverance

“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:4 The task didn’t come easy.  I struggled and labored, and struggled some more, yet it would not flow.  Was I forcing something I shouldn’t?  Was I trying to make something out of nothing?  God knows I’ve […]

Birthdays

“From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God.” – Psalm 22:10 (NIV) This is a busy time of year for birthdays in our family.  The younger ones are eager to celebrate their annual milestone in full party fashion, while the older ones claim, “It’s just another day.” and […]

Megastore Mercy

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8 (NIV) It never ceases to amaze me how God uses our everyday comings and goings to teach us about His character.  […]

Sleepless Nights

My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. – Psalm 119:148 (NIV) Darkness covers the house. All is quiet except for the whirring hum of the ceiling fan, and the faint barking of a distant dog.   It’s 3am, and I’m awake.   For more than […]

When Sin Comes Too Easy

“And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t.  I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. – Romans 7:18-19 (NLT) Wrestling with sin […]

5 Hope Filled Thoughts on Suffering

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. – 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) “Hearing aids, the one thing that’s not normal on me,” our ten-year […]

A Lesson From My Vacuum Cleaner

“But as for me, it is good to be near God.  I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” – Psalm 73:28 (NIV) Recently, I bought a new vacuum cleaner after the last one caught on fire (we’ll save that story for another day).  So far it’s done […]