courage change
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There is freedom in letting go of past mistakes and hurts. The Apostle Paul moved past the fact that he had been a torturer who tried to destroy the church by murdering and imprisoning Christians. After Paul’s conversion through his incredible encounter with Jesus, he later said, “But one thing I do: forgetting what lies… Read more
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Yes you! It doesn’t matter if your past is more sordid than the woman at the well who had five failed marriages and was living with a man who wasn’t her husband. Jesus knew all of this, and He still used her to make a difference. If you have been abused and used like David’s… Read more
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So often, we want OUT of a difficult situation. We’re not interested in what’s best in the long run; we want relief now. I remember when our daughters wore braces. Every month, the orthodontist would tighten the wires on their teeth so much that their teeth would ache for days. If you asked them during… Read more
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Often in life, we think our spouse’s faults are greater than ours. We dwell on what is wrong with everyone else, but not with ourselves. The truth is, love doesn’t constantly find fault. Love doesn’t get its pride hurt every time someone doesn’t make you feel like the most important person in the room. Love… Read more
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Even when we are doing what Jesus tells us to do, it is sometimes very difficult and hard work. There are times when I feel ‘agitated (troubled and filled with fear and dread)’ (v.50, AMP). Today, while reading Mark chapter 6, I noticed the disciples were ‘straining at the oars, because the wind was against… Read more
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Do you check your spirit? In Luke 18:9-14, the Pharisee prays self-righteously, boasting about his religious practices, including fasting twice a week and paying tithes. In contrast, the tax collector humbly prays for mercy, and Jesus highlights the tax collector’s humility. So many times, we worship and seek after the wrong things. I know this… Read more
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Late evening thoughts: Taking apart your parents home is extremely painful. You travel back through their lives and the life you lived with them. Your heart is cracked wide open exposing every emotional feeling you have ever felt towards your immediate family. So thankful the Word of God comforts us through this time. His love,… Read more
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One of the most challenging aspects of being estranged from a child is not being able to see or talk to your grandchildren. The grandchildren you nurtured, cared for, and spent focused time with for years. Now, you are no longer allowed to attend their school activities. You are blocked on their phones. I imagine… Read more
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I was brought up in a Pentecostal Church where power through the baptism of the Holy Spirit was central to our religion. When I turned 30 I began to hunger and thirst for more of God, to know Him, to know His love. I began studying His word, digging deeper and deeper and praying more… Read more
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What’s your favorite time of day? My favorite time of the day in the summer is late evening. Dinner is finished. Dishes are cleared and the kitchen has been cleaned. I settle down into my comfy love seat with my day planner and begin striking off everything I did on my “To Do List.” Anything… Read more
For Real, Elaine?! 