… To keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. —2 Corinthians 12:7b-9 NLT My heart started to race, and I could hear the blood pumping extra quickly in my veins and arteries. The news I was hearing made me weak. I was all set to fly to The Netherlands to visit a newly-born granddaughter. I had been longing for […] Read more »

Today’s Musing is from Donna Perkins. Then the messenger returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he also is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” So Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people that were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two companies. And he said, “If Esau comes to the one company and attacks it, then the other company which is left will escape.” Then Jacob said, “Oh God … deliver me.” —Genesis 32:6-9a, 11a NKJV (emphasis mine) The air was thick with dread. Beads of sweat gathered on furrowed, worried brows. A lone tumbleweed rolled by the window outside. The corner clock ticked the minutes by […] Read more »

Today's Musing is from Marlene McKenna. … I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. —Philippians 4:11b-13 NIV The cool air blew through the parking lot as storm clouds skated across the sky, preparing the snow expected in the morning. We stood in line waiting for our ice cream, but licking our wounds after a different kind of cloud cover loomed. Just as cold and unwanted as snowfall in May, […] Read more »

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. —1 Corinthians 15:55-58 NIV (emphasis mine) There they were. Two quiches, crust browned to perfection—one broccoli and one ham—looking golden and perfect on the kitchen counter. I covered them lightly with a dish towel feeling immense satisfaction in a job well done. Our company would arrive in one short […] Read more »