Praise is our Defense AND Offense
It sounds a little strange, doesn’t it? Praise — a weapon? When life feels like a battle, my first instinct isn’t to sing — it’s to stress and whine. To fix. To figure it out. Maybe even to complain just a little (or a lot). But Psalms 8:2 flips that thinking upside down.“Through praise —…
No Matter What — Praise Him Anyway
A.W. Tozer, often called a 20th-century prophet for his calls to a deeper spiritual life, emphasized intimacy with God. He once said, “If God takes away everything I have, I will love Him anyway.” Now that’s a bold kind of faith. But let’s be honest — it’s not always easy. There are days when prayers…
Complain and Remain — Praise and Be Raised
After a most beautiful Italian Tea Party last Sunday — I was thinking about the wonderful women who put their hearts, souls and bodies in making the event so special for our ladies. There were lovely decorations, meaningful testimonies, laughter, worship, and fellowship that warmed the heart. On the way home, however, my sweet friend…
Remember. Meditate. Reflect.
I can’t begin to tell you what blogging has done for me over the last fifteen years. It has given me purpose — and a sweet intimacy with God. Each day feels like an invitation to sit quietly, hold the pen (or the keyboard), and wait for the aha moments He so faithfully supplies. I…
Staying Positive in a Negative World
Years ago when I lived in Tulsa, I walked out of the grocery store, minding my own business, when a TV reporter swooped in with a microphone and a cameraman in tow. Before I could say “no comment,” she was asking what I thought about all the new traffic in our area. Now, I hadn’t…
A Family Feast — Includes First Bites
Sunday was a day I won’t forget. Not just because my #3 grandson, Payton, turned 25, but because all 14 of us — yes, our full Motley Crew — gathered around the same table for the first time in a long time. That’s a miracle of itself. Payton’s birthday is easy to remember — May…
Oh Those Cattywampus Days!
I’m grinnin’ from ear to ear this mornin’ as this Southern gal writes this blog. I read a beautiful daily devotion from an online ministry and BAM, another idea for a blog! Their devotion started with: “You are slowly but surely coming to an end of your days of being cattywampus.” WHAT? Cattywampus? What in…
Being a Joy Rider AND a Joy Writer
I had just written in my journal, when the thought came to me (I like to think it was God’s voice) – “Joy Rider and Joy Writer”! Then I realized I was about to write another blog – straight from Heaven Central. So, let’s go somewhere with that headline! I don’t think I ever thought…
If We Don’t Praise — the Rocks Will
I saw this “rock-band” cartoon and I knew a blog was on its way. Humorous but the truth is these are just rocks, stones and pebbles. No life exists in them, yet they sit amidst the vibrant rhythm of creation. Around them, water dances, fish jump for joy, and birds chirp. As I look at…
A Smile can be a Difference Maker
Have you ever been on the other side of the audience — the side of the speaker who is speaking to the audience? I have. I’ve learned to focus on those who are smiling and have the bright “I’m with you” eyes. I shun those sullen – no smiles – faces. I know some folks…