As I read the Psalms, I started to think that the psalmists may have been the original religious bloggers, meaning people who wrote about their lives, triumphs and defeats, and of how God had intervened to help them, to encourage others to believe that God is able to do the same for them. To encourage... Continue Reading →
One of my grandchildren's favorite questions when they saw me coming, and especially at Christmas, was, "What did you bring me?" I just laughed, because I did the same thing when I was their ages. But, as I read my Bible one day, I was struck by a woman who was more concerned about what she could... Continue Reading →
My husband has found the answer to receiving gifts that have to be returned or re-gifted in the future to other unsuspecting friends or family. This week, he came home with a big box and told me that it was my Christmas gift to him. I just needed to reimburse him the money spent,... Continue Reading →
Tomorrow is my last day as a professor! I resigned last December, but, against what I felt God was speaking into my spirit, I went back in August because I got tired and frustrated waiting for God to show me what was next in my life. I felt for sure that God was calling me... Continue Reading →
I am convinced that parents speak perfect English, but their children simply hear a different message. Just before leaving for work one morning, I warned my three boys, ages 8, 7, and 3, not to jump off the porch because they could possibly break something. It turns out that what the oldest boy actually heard... Continue Reading →
Merciful and Loving God, we come before your throne of mercy and grace, in total awe of your kindness and goodness. The gift of our Savior, Jesus Christ demonstrates for all time the depth, width, breadth, and length of your unfailing love for your children, the sheep of your pasture. Father, today as we celebrate... Continue Reading →
Mom taught me the real message of being a good neighbor, for she loved the Lord, and she took His command to take care of the least among us literally. She did not do it expecting that Jesus was keeping a score sheet and that she would get a bigger crown in Heaven than others. Instead, she lived by the words in James 2: 17-18, "Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Like David in the 23rd Psalm, I have been blessed amazingly through the years. In his great psalm of praise to the Good Shepherd who provided protection, provision, and prosperity to him, he says, "The Lord is my shepherd. I have everything I need" (Psalm 23:1). In a world where people seem to never tire of consuming "stuff," it is rare to hear someone say that they have all that they need or want. I am blessed to be one of them, as my cup truly overflows with blessings unimaginable just a few years ago: a caring and loving husband, the self-sufficiency of my children, the ability to fulfill my calling through teaching, and good health.
When I first read the command to love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you, I thought I must have the wrong version of the Bible. Someone must have changed some parts of my Bible, because loving someone who causes you pain just did not seem even possible, let alone reasonable. I wanted... Continue Reading →
One of the saddest outcomes in life is to miss fulfilling one's destiny, for the world needs for everyone to complete the assignment they were born to do. I have learned some lessons over my life that I hope will help you reach your destiny a lot faster than I did. Lesson One: Do not... Continue Reading →
Help from Heaven 