Frowning and biting his lip, my two-year-old grandson shoved the round block into the triangle shape on the lid of the shape sorter bucket. He shoved, twisted, banged, and whined. But nothing would make the round block go through the triangle-shaped opening. Knowing the block was supposed to go into the bucket, he finally took the lid off and threw the block inside. He looked at me and grinned. Watching my grandson try to fill the hole in the bucket … Continue reading →
If we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself. ~2 Timothy 2:13 ESV I graduated from high school convinced I wanted to be in full-time ministry as an overseas missionary, but I struggled to find a degree to pursue. Most women either worked with children or taught English classes in other countries. I wasn’t sure I wanted to do either. The following summer, I went on a mission trip to China. We traveled to the small villages … Continue reading →
He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. ~Ephesians 4:16 NLT One chose to stay on the farm; the other chose city life. One was satisfied; the other, well… Learning how to be satisfied isn’t the easiest thing in the world. When my mom was a junior in high school, she chose to … Continue reading →
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. ~Matthew 11:28-30 ESV For the first time in two years, my car is not only cleaned out, but also wiped down, windows washed, and vacuumed. The outside was shiny … Continue reading →
You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. ~Revelation 2:3-4 NIV I love God. Hopefully, we all do. I also love my husband, my family, my dog, and my country. Loving so many things in life is wonderful, but we should be vigilant to separate our first love and pink laundry. I’ll explain. In English, we have many … Continue reading →
For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. ~1 Corinthians 13:12 ESV I once visited a friend’s house. I stood beside them in their backyard on their luxurious patio, which had an unobstructed view of an incredible state park. From where we stood, we had a feast for the eyes, overlooking a huge valley with its … Continue reading →
She hath washed my feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. ~Luke 7:44b KJV It was “Wash Day,” and Elise got right to work separating the laundry into piles. Wash Day Elsie loaded the washer and reached for the cleaning agents. She meticulously measured bleach, detergent, and fabric softener and poured each into its respective receptacles. She hit the start button and turned away. Glancing at the remaining piles, she realized the white … Continue reading →
Goals are important. If we want to progress in life, achieve things that matter, leave a legacy, and reach our highest goal, we must do some planning. We accomplish larger life changes when we identify and work out our goals, especially in the career- or passion-pursuing areas. Making a plan is a solid and methodical way to improve our lives, ourselves, and our witness. Goals differ from wishes and resolutions. They are also different from dreams. Goals are action-oriented and … Continue reading →
Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” ~1 Kings 18:21 NLT At twelve, my grandfather learned about straddling the fence. The Choice When my grandfather was in middle school, his father died. In a time when women mainly worked at home and the man was the sole breadwinner, the family was in a precarious situation. … Continue reading →
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. ~Proverbs 4:23 NIV Our hearts are at the center of our being. Physically, they pump blood to all the organs in our body and keep our systems stable and functional. Without our physical heart working correctly, we die. We must be solid in the center of our being. The Heart The writers of the Old Testament understood the significance of our physical hearts and their emotional/spiritual aspects. … Continue reading →
