But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.  (Job 2:10 ESV) I was not a happy camper. I had the flu and felt miserable. Also, I felt way too important to be in bed sick, when so many things “depended on me.” Oh, I was a stubborn, angry, prideful mess. I prayed for healing. I asked others to pray for healing. I practically demanded healing. I stayed sick. When I finally came to the end of myself … my ranting and anger and frustration abated … I bowed my rebellious, silly head and whispered, “I receive […] Read more »

The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3 NIV) Dear one, if I could tell you just one thing, it would be this … God. Loves. You. God Yes, there is one. Perhaps you already know Him or perhaps you have wondered. Think about this. When looking at a freshly baked cake, no one ever says it “just happened.” There was bound to be a baker—who mixed ingredients just so, in a certain order, in specific amounts, and popped it in an oven for a specific number of minutes. In the same way, the more we examine the intricacies of the human eye or the beauty of […] Read more »

Five Reasons Church Matters Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:23-25 NIV) I know. Church isn’t always riveting. People at church can often act in frighteningly unchristian ways. Sometimes the music doesn’t appeal. Sometimes it’s difficult having to be nice to people you feel awkward around. Perhaps at times you feel pressured to do more than you feel you can do … committees folks want you to join … so you just stay […] Read more »

  Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16 NIV) When my husband and I first married, we got ourselves a couple of dogs. Attila was a Doberman Pinscher German Shepherd mix—and he was big. My husband loved that dog. Tank came into our life six months later when a neighborhood child found him abandoned on the side of the road. He was a Chow Shepherd, not as big as Attila, but still a big guy. Tank was mine. We loved our dogs, but they surely could get into mischief. Like the time I left quiche cooling on the counters. I learned exactly how […] Read more »

Hidden Heroes of Easter – Cleopas and Friend on the Road to Emmaus Part Five of our Hidden Heroes of Easter Series Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. (Luke 24:31 NIV) I’m not an observant person. Really. Ask my husband who waited five days to see if I’d notice he’d shaved off his beard. He finally gave up and told me. Ask my friend who took me for a ride in her brand new car hoping I’d comment on it. I had no idea. And then there was the time an old boyfriend tied 100 yellow ribbons on the oak tree in his front yard to welcome me home from a trip. Yep. I didn’t see ’em. […] Read more »