This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’” —Jeremiah 6:16 NIV I could not make up my mind. Our daughter and children are living with us this year, and I wanted our Easter holiday to be a special one. With their father away overseas, it seemed extra important to make the holidays memorable and as happy as could be under the circumstances. So … after some pondering and consulting with my husband and my daughter, I came up with the unique idea of having spaghetti for Easter. The kids […] Read more »

“The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” —Mark 12:31 NLT Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. —Ephesians 4:32 NLT Ever become so frustrated with yourself over a repeating sin or a devastating sin you never ever thought you’d commit—and you just can’t get over it? Ever just sat in it, loathing yourself and miserable, yet unable to move on? Easy to get mired, isn’t it? The accuser, the enemy of your soul, would love to keep you right there. Not asking forgiveness of God, believing you don’t deserve a fresh start, and Just. Plain. Stuck. I’ve been there and it’s a horrible place to be. […] Read more »

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. —John 13:3-5 NIV I don’t know about you, but there are some jobs I just do not want to do. Usually, they involve unpleasant smells. I can remember helping small children with the flu and working hard not to show how horrid I found the task of cleanup. Since then, I’ve had many opportunities to practice the […] Read more »

How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?                                                —Psalm 13:1-2 NIV “I’ve never really been happy,” she said. I looked at my friend in shock. She’s normally a very happy person full of love and light. Then, after some thought I realized where this was coming from and replied, “That’s your depression talking, dear one. You have been happy and you will be again.” It’s astonishing and sad […] Read more »

“The most important [commandment],” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’”—Mark 12:29-30 NIV I wake up with the usual battle raging in my head every time it’s my day to “run away.” My practical side points out all the important things waiting to be done and whispers that a responsible person gets her work done before she takes a day off. My heart side reminds me that the most important thing of all is actually a Person—and I’ve committed to meet with Him today. The phone rings, and yet another responsibility threatens to […] Read more »