As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man sat by the road, begging. He heard the crowd going by and asked what it meant. “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by,” they told him. He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” — Luke 18:35–38 When Jesus stopped and asked the blind man, […]
We weave thick vines in and out of and around our circular, amateur base to create a decorative ball. Soon, solar lights will be added to make it a visible yard ornament for the dark fall and winter nights that stretch ahead of us. It seems to be an illustration of our friendship. By now, […]
Do you ever feel ashamed or disappointed that you have lacked faith or confidence in God…or even doubted Him? Our doubts, lack of trust, or weak faith may tempt us to think our faith isn’t strong enough. Let’s look at some scripture passages that might encourage us – even if our faith feels small today. […]
Not too long ago, I wrote a post about how my cat, Lovey, shows my family what abiding does and doesn't look like. Among Lovey's many desirable cat qualities, He enjoys taking walks in the woods with me and my dog, Shadow. It's difficult to make great progress when Lovey comes along for the walk. […]
Earlier this year, my family was punched in the emotional gut numerous times in a matter of weeks. Two officers were shot in my small hometown just twenty minutes away from where I now live. Tragically, one died and the other is still recovering. As a pastor and chaplain, my husband went on the scene […]
Click below to check out the podcast version of this post: What dreams and desires get in the way of more fully embracing Jesus and others? I prayed that the Lord would help me to desire to embrace Him over other things that were creeping into my heart. He reminded me to remember. Revival in […]
“More than thirty-five years of counseling have led me to the statistical conclusion: approximately one out of one people struggle with anger.” Robert D. Jones, Calming Your Heart, 31-Day Devotionals for Life I know we all struggle with our responses to feelings of anger, bitterness, irritation, and complaining, but it’s still a relief to me […]
I'm always amazed at the lack of fear my kids have. They walk over logs high over creeks, my daughter rides horses, and my son pitches in baseball games. These things can stir up fears in me. Fear can be good. It can serve as an alarm bell that something is about to happen or […]
Exasperated with feeling weak and unsuccessful, I grumbled under my breath about the project I was working on. This project had called me to a vulnerable place. I had put myself "out there" and had utilized all my creative energy. I was spiritually, mentally, and physically depleted, but the project wasn't. My husband gently encouraged […]
Have you ever heard this heart-wrenching story? Polish Priest, Maximilian Kolbe, was arrested by the Gestapo for hiding Jews and Polish refugees from the Nazis during World War II. During his time at Auschwitz concentration camp, ten men were rounded up to be starved to death in order to deter further escape attempts by the […]
Advent Joy isn’t shallow or sentimental—it is rooted in the appearing of Christ. When Scripture speaks of Christ being manifested, it means that God has made Himself clearly seen, known, and encountered in order to save. “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation…” — Titus 2:11, ESV The Child in the manger is the […]
Where do you long for Christ’s Peace to enter your story this week? Or have you given up hope for that? Perhaps it would be good for you and me to remember Jesus' words about the kind of peace He gives. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the […]