Is it Right to Hide Our Struggles from Fellow Believers?

In my Sunday school class several weeks ago, a fellow class member brought up the fact that we often keep our trials and tribulations from other church members. Sometimes, we don’t want to drag others down with our burdens, preferring to uplift them with a positive attitude and encouraging words. After all, other’s lives are…

Trusting God’s Plans & Processes

My family will celebrate my son’s eighteenth birthday this weekend. Here he is, from this sweet little face… …to this far too grown-up one. When he was a little guy, I made him many themed birthday cakes, like this Star Wars Millennium Falcon cake. But this year, he asked for something simple – a layer…

Back to Fruit

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. – John 15:5 At my house, the last of the Christmas cookies, candy, and other treats are finally gone. They are a rare treat for…

Time: Key to Developing Intimacy with God

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. And Simon and they that were with him followed after him. And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee. – Mark 1:35-37 When Jesus spent…

How to Have Devotions that Can Transform Your Life

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. – Psalm 5:3 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. – Romans 12:2 I'd like to preface this post…

When Your Husband Cuts Your Hair

In an effort to stretch family funds, I have become a do-it-yourselfer in many areas through the years. Long ago, I started cutting my own hair, and I eventually learned to do my family’s as well. (YouTube and a bit of trial and error can teach anything.) My hairstyle is pretty straightforward, medium-length and layered,…

Worshiping in Luxury

Weather permitting, I have my devotions on my front porch. I’ve intentionally outfitted it with comfortable outdoor furniture, pillows, plants, candles, and a soft wind chime, so that it will be an inviting retreat for private devotions or family time.   One morning last week, as I lay on the wicker couch there listening to…

To Do, Or Not To Do

As I write, it’s eight o’clock on a dewy summer morning here in the farmlands of the Midwest. Earlier, I worked out with my daughter, though I had to cut my session short because of a minor shoulder injury. After that, I cleaned and refilled my birdfeeders. The hummingbirds in particular appreciate a clean feeder…

Longing Souls

One of my favorite new YouTube speakers is evangelist Greg Laurie. While I was getting ready for church this morning, I listened to a sermon he delivered about the empty place within all of us that only God can fill. For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. – Psalm 107:9 Laurie gave example after…

When Something Just Doesn’t Feel Right

My husband’s job as a city firefighter requires twenty-four-hour shifts. He works one full day, and then is off the next two days. The day that he’s on shift, my kids and I keep ourselves as busy as possible – not a difficult prospect, considering all the chores required to maintain our house and seven-acre…