“How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?” Matthew 7:4 (NLT) For years I thought I could change the attitudes and behaviors of others. If I didn’t agree with what someone I cared about was doing, or how they were acting, I often made it my job to try to “fix” the situation or “fix” them. Through... Read more
“Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.” Isaiah 40:31 Waiting is never easy. Invariably, when I’m in a hurry, I’ll choose the slowest checkout line at the store or get stopped by every traffic light on my way to an appointment. Patiently waiting throughout everyday life situations can be annoying, but there’s another kind of waiting that, at times, can be just as agonizing ––– waiting on God. Are you currently waiting on God to answer the cries of your heart? Have you ever... Read more
“The joy of the Lord is my strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 I started thinking about joy versus happiness. I pondered “joy” because some of my circumstances were not making me feel very happy. That’s when I realized I was confusing happiness and joy. I can be happy and not be joyful. I can be joyful and not be happy! Happiness is external, it’s temporary. Happiness is what HAPPENS to us. Whether it’s our favorite specialty coffee, a wonderful vacation, your child’s good report card or a... Read more
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 I don’t get overly excited about going to the gym or working out with weights, but I’m always glad when I do. Not only do I feel better emotionally, but I know that working out benefits my body and makes it stronger. What’s the old saying – “if you don’t use it, you lose it”? For me, going to the gym is... Read more
God has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free. Luke 4:18 Each week I have the privilege of ministering to women in a local jail. These precious women have had difficult lives and made destructive decisions which ultimately lead to imprisonment. My heart breaks for them as they share their life experiences. As I pray for them, I ponder if I’m really any different? Although I’ve not... Read more
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:14 Do you realize that forgiving someone is actually a gift to yourself and holding onto unforgiveness actually leads to bitterness and pain that keep you stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts and emotions? Forgiving someone who has hurt us is not a feeling or an emotion, it’s a choice. When I choose to forgive my ex-husband for ending our... Read more
Courage for Life
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