Sometimes it feels like one thing goes wrong after another after another. Over the past few years big events like a constant battle with finances, my sweet boy being diagnosed with diabetes, the constant heavy challenge of dealing with depressed family members … oh, these sting, deep inner pain. And these “big” things use up
To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. (John 10:3 ESV) When I was a child, kids in school called me a really mean name, “Ocie Cow.” It became my identity, and I hated it–hated myself. But Jesus never called me
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10 ESV) I’ve been thinking about how the thief comes after my family. He rails against our peace and joy and love. He hates when my kids rest in Christ. He despises for us to live securely
Here’s the link to the video and the online print story. What a day! One of those days you can only give credit to God’s providential hand. I stayed home from church with my son, which worked out fine because for some reason, I was really tired. Our car broke down the other day, which meant
Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy! Attend to me, and answer me; I am restless in my complaint and I moan. Ps. 55:1-2 Even though I know God is faithful, and I know he’s loved me through the hills and valleys so far, and
“You’re here.” My voice cracked. It was almost unbelievable—this earthly reunion brought about by my death. I thought death only brought heavenly reunions. ~from Love Like There’s No Tomorrow It boggles my mind to fathom all the amazing ways God has blessed me since the cardiac arrest tried to steal my forever breaths. Friday evening gray
You walk into a room. A friend smiles. “You look nice today.” What immediately pops to mind? If you’re like many, you belittle the kind words, maybe think, She’s just saying that or I didn’t even put make-up on or She should’ve seen me yesterday. I especially do this when I’m feeling blah about the way
Five years ago today my heart stopped beating. I’m amazed at the work God has done in my life since death’s grasp snatched me away. This morning I went through a few Facebook posts from past anniversaries of my death, and a pattern arose, like footprints on the path of the loving message he constantly whispers
Not everyone’s as sensitive as I am. I know this. Not everyone deeply longs for a kind look, a friendly face, compassionate eyes. Some are content roaming through the world, minding their own business in a businesslike fashion. God made us all different. He made me tender. I admit, sometimes it’s hard to find these things
Around the holidays, we sometimes find ourselves in the same room with someone who makes us uncomfortable. How to get through those moments? Try being polite! It works. A sweet young mom pulled me aside before church. Someone she’d had a run in with in the past just strolled through the door. “What do I do?”