Tag Archives: Angela Dolbear

I’ve Forgiven But Why Am I Still Upset?

VineWords Devotions and More

“I’ve forgiven, but why am I still upset?” Why do I feel the same pain? The Pain of Unforgiveness These questions hit me every time someone hurts me. The emotions tear me down, giving me a heavy heart, even after I have forgiven. But God commands us to forgive because He has forgiven us. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor [perpetual animosity, resentment, strife, fault-finding] and slander be put away from you, along with every kind of … Continue reading →

When We Don’t Know What to Do

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Sometimes I don’t know what to do when I don’t know what to do about a problem or situation. My mind wraps around the problem and looks at it from every angle, trying to wrangle up a solution. But when I try to solve a predicament I’ve become obsessed with, I leave little room for God to work. No resolution comes. When I heard a sermon on this subject recently, I took notes as fast as I could. God has … Continue reading →

Cat Call to Prayer

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I’m not talking about that kind of cat call, but the actual cat call to prayer from my formerly stray black cat, who adopted me fifteen years ago. She called me to join her in another room to sit and pray. From the hallway outside my bedroom, a sound like a hoarse, metallic screeching persisted, as if a tiny Pterodactyl summoned me. Then a medium-sized short-haired cat appeared in the doorway, calling me to prayer. My Maddy continued with her … Continue reading →

What Is God Doing?

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Lately, I’ve been reading about God consistently engaging in different activities, so I’m pausing to consider, “What is God doing?” What Is God Doing I don’t mean it disrespectfully. But more out of curiosity and a desire to know more about my heavenly Father. I know God is in control of all things. And I remind myself of His many promises. I also know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that He is good. I can testify to His goodness … Continue reading →

The Gift of Disciplined Thoughts

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For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]. ~2 Timothy 1:7 AMP Flowers on Mother’s Day, and gift certificates on birthdays and Christmas are all thoughtful gifts, but the gift of disciplined thoughts? Absolutely. Especially when our heavenly Father gives them to me. I need … Continue reading →

Receiving and Giving Comfort

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Flannel pajamas, a cozy blanket, and a hot cup of lemon ginger tea come to mind when I think of comfort. But what if comfort is more than a feeling?  What if it is a gift from God that He gives us, and that we, in turn, can give to others? Receiving and giving comfort is a large part of Christianity. All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source … Continue reading →

Hold on to Hope

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All my husband Tim and I could do was hold on to hope as we sat at our kitchen table, watching our breath come out in puffs of white steam. We hoped the electricity would come back on at any moment. We experienced the worst ice storm Nashville had seen in over thirty years, leaving us without electricity for five days. Praying and hoping for the power to come back on was all we could do. But the adversity I … Continue reading →

Rejoice in the Lord Always

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“Rejoice in the Lord always” may seem like another tired and overdone Christian cliché, fit for embroidered pillows, bookmarks, and coffee mugs. But sometimes it’s good to stop and reexamine these commonly heard phrases, especially when the Bible repeats them. In the Amplified translation of this verse from Philippians, we get a peek into the deeper meaning of the passage. Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice! ~Philippians 4:4 AMP Delight and … Continue reading →

Jesus Sat

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I love it when I read one of the Bible verses that says, “Jesus sat.” I like to envision what it’s like sitting there with Him. Imagine sitting at His feet by the Sea of Galilee and listening to His words of life. The waves are cresting on the shore, the birds crying out, and the wind carrying the salty scent through the air—all things He created. That would be amazing. It blows my mind that my Creator and Savior … Continue reading →

Proof I Am Loved

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When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I’m feeling sad, I need more than to think about my favorite things to make me feel less sad—I need proof I am loved. (Sorry, Maria. I still love that the hills are alive, though, with the sound of music.) During the shiny, bright holiday marked by red and green, the blues tend to hit me extra hard, as they do for many other people. Depression is no joke, whether chemical, … Continue reading →