I’d much prefer to cruise on the Disney Wish, but let’s face it, we’ve all taken a ride on the Hardship Cruise Line. We don’t even have to buy tickets, but boy do we pay. For reasons beyond my comprehension, we often ride the Hardship more than once, sometimes making Platinum status. Meaning we’ve reached more than 70 hours at sea. Some may feel like they never get off. It’s the part of life nobody enjoys, but we all endure.... Read more
I dread those days, weeks, and months when I’m trudging so low in the valley that the mountain peaks seem distant and unattainable. They tower over me, mocking my companion, Inadequacy. Shame and Fear are close behind offering no encouragement. Every time I glance at those mountain peaks, I sink a little further into the valley floor, I’m never going to make it up there—you know, to the place in which God has called me? Feeling sorry for myself, I... Read more
It’s another one of those times…I know them well. When I’m standing firm on The Rock at life’s seashore of lessons learned, in comes a wave so enormous that Bitterness and Frustration grab a hold of me attempting to un-plant my feet. Oh, it rocks me from side to side, but I remain standing. Just about the time I steady myself, here comes another one. This time Anger and Deceit lash out at me. I squat down gaining some grip... Read more
Have you ever wished you could just stop the clock, rewind time, and yell, “DO OVER”? Unfortunately for me, I do! I take the moment I wish I could erase, put on my apron, and begin to knead it repeatedly until a well-mixed and massive ball of disappointment and regret appears. I let this massive ball rest, contemplating a solution to my stupidity. When suddenly, I looked back and this already massive ball, doubled in size. I dig my hands... Read more
I find myself holding hands with Frustration in the stagnant waters of Complacency. I wouldn’t say exactly that it’s refreshing, but it does give some relief during Anger’s rising temperature. There is wind, lots of wind and I stand here wondering if this is truly the place God has called me. The view‘s not bad from here but is it healthy? The gloomy clouds close in. I can no longer see the SON. Fear’s Fungus Creeps In I’m surrounded by... Read more
The cool humid air clung to his skin. He slumped down on the cemetery’s rock wall, allowing his feet to dangle from the side barely off the ground. Sorrow, Suffering, and Silence Offer Comfort Sorrow sat beside him on his right. He could feel her presence without turning in her direction. Suffering embraced him from behind, placing her arms around his neck and pressing into his back. He dropped his head and tears trickled down his cheeks. Silence sat to... Read more
I often stand in bewilderment at how life can unexpectedly throw us off balance. Sometimes I stand there, mouth agape, frozen in puzzlement, and think can this really be happening? Did I just go from polishing my gem to faceplanting in a cow pie at the bottom of the mountain? I was so focused on getting my diamond to shine that I forgot to look up. Fear and Doubt Lurk Around Every Corner Truth leads me up the rocky mountain... Read more
I have always had a passion for writing. So, when I retired from decades of human resource work, I decided to pursue my passion. God and I meet daily, and the most amazing writing happens when I allow Him to use me as His instrument. My hands peck away at the keyboard as if they have a mind of their own. My heart races. My mind buzzes. And when the piece comes to completion, I’m delighted with the result. Uncertainty... Read more
When Calamity knocks on my door, I hand Anger the reins to my emotional wagon. My words gallop out of my mouth as if pulled by a herd of wild horses. It’s an unfortunate mess because I can’t take them back. Our words can destroy or protect. Humiliate or edify. They can expose or conceal. Judge or show mercy. Our word choices can show hate or show love. They can introduce you to Deceit or seat you next to Truth.... Read more
We often find ourselves in undesirable situations. Maybe things are not going the way we planned. Expectations not met. Could it be, we made some really stupid decisions or displayed some horrible attitudes that landed us in this undesirable place? John 16:33 No matter the undesirable situation or how we landed here, we must remember that this is not the end. Jesus said, “ I have told you this so you will have peace of heart and mind. Here on... Read more
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