Shut the Door
Every day we can choose life. A friend explained some of her health issues. She said that she feels optimistic yet fear creeps in with “What if?” I told her that when the enemy taunts her with his fear tactics to remember, “The enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy, but Jesus came to give…
Just Take the First Step
Oh how sweet the memories of helping my children and grandchildren take their first steps. It was an achievement for them, but even more so, it was an achievement for us. Jesus understands children and He understands us. He Who created water certainly knew His ability for walking on water. Nowhere do we read about…
The Race
In John 20:3-4, we read: “So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.” This moment of friendly competition between Peter and John gives us a lighthearted glimpse into their human nature. Visualize this with me:John: I won!Peter: Who’s ever…
You’re On Your Way
I have loved the flood of graduation photos on my social feeds. Some mighty proud parents and beaming family members have risen to the occasion for their graduates. Last Sunday, we attended the Baccalaureate ceremonies for Carl’s grandson (my bonus grandson), Parker Gates. And, Thursday night, we watched him receive his diploma from Austin’s Westlake…
The Exorcist
When I was young, unbridled, and careless with my mind and what goes in it, I made the foolish mistake of watching horror movies. There was something that drew me into them – only to after watching them, having sleepless nights. What was I thinking? Watching those films tempt us to take our eyes off…
Don’t Stop Believing and Building
I just finished my daily readings of the Old Testament in my Chronological Bible. But today I want to share the recent story I read there before I speak to the beauty of the New Testament in days to come. It is the story of Nehemiah and the building of Jerusalem’s wall. I’ve had plenty…
Shakey World But Unshakeable Faith
After catching the headlines about the leak of the Supreme Court’s Roe vs Wade draft, I realize, more than ever, that we live in a mighty crazy, shaky world. If we only lived through the eyes of the news, you’d think the world is going to hell in a handbasket. Even in our own little…
Too Good to be True?
Have you ever been trying on clothes at a store and that outfit looked great in those amazing, magical store mirrors? You even might have thought “You’re looking 10 pounds thinner”! But at home and trying that outfit on, it was like “What was I thinking? What was I seeing?” And, what about those mirrors…
Fear and Locked Doors
Here we are today, one week after Resurrection Sunday. I’m thankful the Easter Story provides us with even more chilling and awe-inspiring true stories beyond the resurrection. John the Apostle wrote this in John 20:19 — “That evening of the first day of the week, WHEN THE DOORS WERE LOCKED, where the disciples were, for…
What if We Flipped the Worry Script?
My friends and I were discussing the upcoming Christmas season and how it may be advisable to do some early Christmas shopping. We know from personal experience what empty shelves of toilet paper and paper towels were like when the pandemic began in 2020! So, do we take that run-for-your-life, hustle and bustle mindset on…