“Love must be sincere.” Romans 12:9 NIV How many moms want to sign up for more to do? Not me. I have a family consisting of a husband, and three daughters. For years I have absolutely refused to own a pet requiring free range of my home. Guinea pigs in boxes, birds in cages, and…
Love
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always…
Running With Perseverance
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him…
Fighting to Flourish
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV A few winters ago, I was blessed to travel out of the frigid temperatures, snow and ice to a much more temperate, wonderful…
Unconditionally Beloved
Outside my door, a cacophony of voices arose from the first floor of the hotel atrium. Seven hundred women excitedly conversed, practiced speeches, pitched proposals, and met one another. Encouragement rang out amidst the conversations. This was a godly Writer’s conference. Upstairs, clad in heels and a suit, I sank onto my hotel bed. In…
Like A Boss
Influence. Power. Persuasion. She possessed all three. She also possessed a rare beauty, at least in the eyes of the man who adored her. Without her, he knew he’d lead a lonely existence. He didn’t want to displease, disappoint, or discourage her. He’d do anything to keep her attention, her admiration, and her respect. She…
Joy Is A Choice
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3 Glancing out the frosty window, I inwardly groaned. Gray skies, bare trees, and, what-on-earth? Snowflakes! Not already! Not after a cooler than usual summer. Not so close to last…
Trusting Him With Tomorrow
The call came in: “Get to Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital- that’s where they’re life-flighting her.” Our healthy ten-year-old had just been diagnosed with Type I diabetes, and she was in diabetic ketoacidosis. This was a life-threatening emergency! While en route on the 200 mile trip, I tried to process this life-altering diagnosis. As a nurse, I…
Treasure and Ponder
Christmas Day is over. Maybe like me, you still have lots of celebrating to do, but the greatest festivities are finished. As I sit quietly during the pre-dawn hours the day after Christmas, I thoughtfully reflect. I adore the stillness of my living room; with only the tree lights glowing and a balsam candle scenting…
The Gift of Faith
“The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you,’” Luke 1:28 NIV Startled, young Mary was scared at the sudden appearance of an angel. She hadn’t received a written notice of Gabriel’s impending arrival. Her mother probably never instructed her on how to entertain angels. Mary…