Diane Virginia: Skip… (3-Min)

When I taught the elementary grades, my litmus test for the children’s well-being was to observe them during recess and ask, “Are they skipping?” Even a child at rest will swing a foot, shrug a shoulder, or sway. I’ve learned skipping is a universal expression of joy. In Song of Solomon 7:1-2a, the Bride of Christ is allegorically pictured as a princess wearing gorgeous shoes, and with jeweled thighs. Why? She is spiritually adorned with these so she can … Continue reading →

Diane Virginia: Up!

And seeing the multitudes, he [Jesus] went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, saying, Blessed…. Matthew 5:1-3a KJV One little word–“up”–could so easily be overlooked as we read The Sermon on the Mount. But if we notice it, we will understand the reason for Jesus’ success in ministry. He knew that He needed to go up. In fact, He felt compelled to go up, believing His ascent … Continue reading →

Diane Virginia: Unseen Artist Revealed

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty. Zephaniah 3:17a KJV Dad stood behind me, dabbing oil paint on the canvas. My hand rest atop his, so it felt like I was painting, but I knew who held the brush. Soon, Dad slid his hand away, and I grasped the brush. His hand was still underneath mine so I still felt confident. Before I knew it, he was smiling, with his hand to his chin. Occasionally I’d … Continue reading →

Diane Virginia: The Whisperer

She came to Him, crawling. If her declaration was voiced, it was softer than a whisper…

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Diane Virginia: The Speeding Ticket (3-Min)

Casting all your care upon Him: for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 NKJV The reflection of blue lights flashed in my rear-view mirror. Embarrassed, I pulled over. “Ma’am, can you explain why you were speeding?” “Officer, I wasn’t paying attention.” When I got home, I looked up potential consequences: one-year revocation of license, lawyer and court costs, license points…. I felt nauseous. Rather than worrying further, I bowed, “Father God, this license is Yours to take or to … Continue reading →

Diane Virginia: Jeweled Chicken Sandals (3-Min)

But ye are a … holy nation. 1 Peter 2:9b KJV Mom, I fed the chickens. Here are your sandals back,” my daughter said. “Back?” I tried to hide my dismay, “Did you wear the jeweled ones?” The odor rising from the pleather revealed the answer. “I just borrowed them quick.” I glanced at my sandals. As pretty as they were, they now had a designated purpose. I’d use them to fetch eggs or care for my hens. My jeweled sandals … Continue reading →

Diane Virginia: The Power of Grace

My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weaknesses. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV Grace…. We say grace before a meal. We speak of God’s grace. But do we really know what grace is? Grace comes from the word charis and may be defined as “the divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life. (Strongs’ Concordance, NT#5485)” Grace is something that happens within the spirit of man. Paul knew something about grace. He … Continue reading →

Diane Virginia: The Mail Carrier

I thought it would be easy to navigate my way to the expressway from my new job, but I was not familiar with the neighborhood. To further my confusion, a few street signs were missing. The only sure landmark I had was a child’s soccer ball left in a yard. After passing the ball three times, I pulled my car to the side of the road, wiped the sweat from my palms, and prayed. “God, please direct me. I want … Continue reading →

Diane Virginia: Prayers for Bessie (3-Min)

My servant Job shall pray for you. Job 42:8b KJV Before sunrise, Pastor Troy unlocked the doors of Countryside Church. It was his custom to pray for the people before they arrived. He touched the back of the pew where Bessie customarily sat. “Father God, I lift Bessie to you.” A tear trickled down his cheek…. *** Outside, the sun crested as congregants arrived. Bessie asked Sue to keep a secret, “Pastor visited a liquor store.” She lifted an empty … Continue reading →

Diane Virginia: Slip-‘n-Slides (3-Min)

Slip ‘n slides… They provided swift and energetic water rides for my sister and me during childhood. Mom would sprinkle a few drops of dish soap onto our plastic slide, hook up the hose, and away we’d go. Dad would swoop us up at the other side, and we’d run towards Mom, ready for another go-round. Soon, neighbor kids would hear us, and they would slide with us down the slippery slope. It’s easy to slide downhill on a slip … Continue reading →

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