Live Without Regret

A close friend received a call no one wants to receive on Christmas Day: a sick family member had just died. The person went to the hospital on Monday, but was expected to live another few weeks or months. My friend felt like maybe she should have gone to see him right away, but she didn't. 

What If I Mess This Up?

On the way home from shopping, I heard a conversation on the radio about how Mary must have felt the first time she held Jesus in her arms. 

I pondered.

Fitness Friday: Whose Disciple Are You?

We are all someone’s or something’s disciple. We learn from and empower, consciously or not, who or what we follow. This time of year, many of us will spend time with family and friends, and current event topics will arise. What we say in response matters. It’s important we know the answer to this question:

Whose disciple are you?

For Better or Worse, Part 6: Expectations

God, we’ve been married for a whole month already. He should know how I feel!

God, we don’t seem to have much closeness in our marriage. What are we doing wrong?

MultiColor Monday: Inspirational Moments

We all receive them.

We all need them.

We all should be intentional about giving them.

For Better or Worse, Part 5: Super-Spiritual

God, why doesn’t Don want to study this marriage book with me, or lead daily prayer?

Doesn’t he want to have a godly marriage?

In any marriage, one person can be more mature in their faith than their spouse. Or, maybe one of the two just thinks they’re more mature. Either way, the more mature person doesn’t have the right to demand that the other one measure up to any standards except God’s.

Fitness Friday: Hungry for God…Starving for Time

This week, I’d like to introduce you to Lori Hatcher, one of my talented Christian Communicator Conference (CCC) sisters. Lori is a gifted author, speaker, blogger, and editor. We share a passion for encouraging others to become more spiritually fit by investing in their relationship with God.

For Better or Worse, Part 4: Rebellion

You want me to do what? No way!

Why don’t you work on him for a change? Why do I have to do all the changing?

MultiColor Monday: Carolyn Knefely and Vonda Skelton

This week, I honor and celebrate two of my spiritual moms, Carolyn Knefely and Vonda Skelton, founders and leaders of Christian Communicators Conference (CCC).

The Brokenhearted Seat

Last Sunday, I went to church early to pray over the seats. I walked each row, touching each chair and praying in the Spirit. In the past, the Lord sometimes gave me specific things to pray over different seats, but this Sunday I just prayed general prayers as I walked.

Couldn't We All Have Been Part of the Crowd in Ferguson?

This morning, I happened to be at these verses in my walk through the Gospel of Matthew.

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matthew 9:35-38, NIV, emphasis mine)

For Better or Worse, Part 3: Offense

Why won’t she listen to me? I’ve told her over and over again how I feel, and yet she never changes.

Doesn’t he see how much he’s hurting me? Doesn’t he care?

We can be so easily offended, and misunderstood. What do we do when that happens?

Fitness Friday: Holiday Food for Thought

My friend April made this yummy treat.
It's a paleo recipe, no sugar or flour!

Ahhhhh, inhale the savory aromas of the holidays. Nothing like home-made baked goods, juicy turkey, and all the other traditional and non-traditional holiday dishes.

For Better or Worse, Part 2: Weariness

Why doesn’t God answer my prayers? Doesn’t He care?

Maybe He’s waiting for me to do something. I know what I can do…

MultiColor Monday: Michael "Slim" McGarvey

This week, I am honoring and celebrating a dear friend from high school, Michael “Slim” McGarvey.

Nip It in the Bud

Recently, Don and I left around 6:45AM to visit my nephew at 9AM. We were running late, again, despite leaving on time. Pokey drivers and school busses slowed us down. If only we would have left early as planned. I so hate being late!

For Better or Worse - Series Introduction

Tomorrow, Don and I will celebrate our 14^th wedding anniversary. We said our vows in the church prayer room with a handful of witnesses on November 13^th, 2000. Like most weddings, our vows included “for better or worse, in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, til death us do part.”

Fitness Friday: Instant Results

“Scratch off now to win $5, $10, $100, or $1,000 instantly!”

“Just add hot water, stir, and your _____________ will be ready in minutes.”

“Drink this and you’ll get instant energy!”

MultiColor Monday: David Brannock

This week, the series continues another member from my Word Weavers critique group (click here for more info on my group), David Brannock.

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Self-Care Part 3: Act on What I Know

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. (James 2:26, NIV)

Now that my unbelief has been revealed to me, and I confessed and asked for forgiveness, I now need to act on what I know to be true. 

If I don’t, I remain dead in my sin.

Self-Care Part 2: Receiving the Answer

When you have a problem to solve or need understanding, and it’s not a spiritual topic, where do you turn first? 

If you’re like me, you often start in your own mind, full of experiences and lessons learned, and you ponder. Then you turn to others who have more experience than you on the topic.

Finally, when no answer is found laterally, you look up to Jesus.

Wouldn’t our lives be simpler if we started with Jesus?

Our Procrastination, God’s Perfect Timing

    

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  (Romans 8:28, NIV, emphasis mine)

Even procrastination.

Self-Care Part 1: Defining the Problem

Do you have trouble remembering to take vitamins or other supplements?

Do you struggle finding time to eat right and exercise?

If your answer is like mine, a resounding YES, here’s the big question: WHY?

Rise Up! And When You Can't, Call for Help

Last weekend I attended a wonderful retreat of love. Jesus’ love. Poured over me through His daughters who embraced me, loved me, laughed with me, and prayed with me. 

MultiColor Monday: Ginger Harrington

This week, the series continues another member from my Word Weavers critique group (click here for more info on my group), Ginger Harrington.

Fitness Friday: Be Willing to Pay the Price

As Christians, we are called grow and maintain an active, daily relationship with Jesus: to “work out our salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).

How do we do that? Let me tell you a little bit about what I learned, and why I wrote IntentionalFitness.

A Detour and Belonging

Ever had Dorothy moments? You know, the moment when she clicked her heels together and discovered she already had what she so desperately sought…but was seeking in the wrong place?

Lesson from an Art Museum: Eye of the Beholder

I joined my writer’s group for a stroll through our local Art Museum. Our assignment? Find something that inspires you, and write about it. 

MultiColor Monday: Sherry Carter

This week, the series continues another member from my Word Weavers critique group (click here for more info on my group), Sherry Carter.

Fitness Friday: Be Intentional

Is there any other way to fitness other than the intentional route - the one that takes effort, pain, and dogged determination to keep going? Do we “just happen” to become and stay fit, either physically or spiritually?

Are You Pouring Out?

Over the past few weeks, the Lord has been setting me free from…stagnation.

Yes, my soul was starting to stink like a backed up sewer. I was sharp, impatient, and quick to anger. I wanted to just be left alone, all to myself, so I could have “alone time with God.”

Freedom From Sin, Part 2: Staying Free

Do you need a breakthrough where you feel you’ve already had one, and regressed? That’s where I was (see Freedom from Sin Part 1), and realize now I can easily be there again (and again) unless I understand how it happened and make some changes.

Freedom From Sin, Part 1: Breakthrough

Have you lost your peace? Are you struggling to hear God’s voice? Me too. I’ve been crying out to God for answers.

MultiColor Monday: Susan Stilwell

This week, the series continues another member from my Word Weavers critique group (click here for more info on my group), Susan Stilwell.

Judge Not, Part 2: Measuring

Continuing on from my last post Judge Not, Part 1, let’s move on to measuring.

Matthew 7:2b (NIV)  “…with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Judge Not, Part 1: The Judgment

Do you struggle with judging others? Today in my journey through the Gospel of Matthew, I read Matthew 7:1-2.

MultiColor Monday: Tina Hunt

As most of you know, all writers need regular inspiration. On the 1^st and 3^rd Monday of every month, I’ll honor and celebrate people who inspire me with their talents and their lives. The series is called Multi-Color Monday to reflect the beauty and diversity of God’s children. My hope is that you, too, will be blessed and inspired by those you meet here.

Don't Miss Out

The other day, Don and I were driving home from Hershey. There’s a spot along the road where you crest a hill and WOW, an amazing view is off to the right. I’ve wanted to take a picture of that for a long time but kept missing the opportunity.

Lessons from a Car Theft, Part 2

It's been almost a month since my car break-in (see Part 1), and I'm finally writing part 2. I could say I intentionally waited a while to allow the Lord a chance to work. Truth is, I'm a top-notch procrastinator and just didn't get to it until today.

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

Today, my parents celebrate 58 years of marriage. I dedicate this post to them.

Psalm 69

Have you ever been falsely accused, and no matter what you do or say, you end up paying? On top of that, no one believes you when you tell the truth? 

Psalm 68

In my quiet time this week, I've been skipping through the Psalms to read notes where God has spoken to me. Today I came to Psalm 68, and didn't have one single note or underline. So I read the Psalm from beginning to end.


What awesome encouragement in the midst of our moving and change!

Our God:

• Sets the lonely in families and leads forth prisoners with singing (v 6)
• Fathers the fatherless and defends the widows (v 5)
• Provides for the poor (v 10)
• Daily bears our burdens (v 19)
• Saves us from death (v 20)
• Defeats our enemies (v 21)

Throughout the 35 verses of this Psalm, I was reminded of His:

• Power
• Majesty
• Faithfulness
• Justice

Then this song came to mind: Our God is Greater, by Chris Tomlin. 

Yes, He is!

With my mind renewed about how amazingly awesome God is, I go forth into my day encouraged, strengthened, and excited to see what He will bring this day.

TODAY'S CHALLENGE: Renew your mind with this Psalm, or any other favorite you may have. If you'd like, share how God uplifted you today.

They Who Wait....

Hungry birds flitted around the feeders. Both feeders were in “take a number” mode – all four perches occupied, one bird sitting on the top.

Lessons from a Car Theft, Part 1

“Hi honey. The police just called – someone broke into your car.”

Luck

I wrote this on June 24, 1991. I didn't yet know Jesus, but He was pursuing me. Felt I should share it today. I did not edit, this is the original version.

Hiding

Picture a little girl hiding behind a curtain, cautiously peeking out, terrified of being discovered where she doesn’t belong…even though it’s her own birthday party. Laughter and music invited her to join in the celebration.

God is Faithful

Bears repeating: God is faithful.

The Plank and the Speck

Why can’t I tolerate weakness in others for areas I’ve conquered, but yet so easily empathize with people who have the same struggles?

I Won't

“I won’t give up my coffee.”

“I won’t give up my bedtime snack.”

“I won’t ______________.”

Perfect For Each Other

He saw her standing there, perfectly posed in the knee-deep meadow. Her luscious, rosy red, perfectly formed lips beckoned him. Her honey-colored, long hair framed her perfectly-shaped face and beautiful blue eyes.

Celebrating Pain

Yes, you read the title correctly: celebrating pain.



Today I'm pondering Good Friday, and about what it cost Jesus to provide eternal life for us. I know He suffered beyond what words can describe - an immense pain we can't even begin to understand. 

Appreciation

As I used the Glad Wrap yesterday morning to cover my smoothie cup, I pondered about something Don did for me a few months ago.

Appearances Can Be Deceiving

There it was.

Standing proudly and swaying in the breeze.

To Be More Disciplined

This morning during my prayer time, I thought about why so many people ask for prayer to be more disciplined…me included. We want to have better and more consistent prayer lives. We want to eat better, exercise more, be more productive with our time.

If we sincerely want to be more disciplined, which we do, why is it so hard?

It's Not About Me

It’s about Jesus, of course! I know this, I understand this, and I believe this.

Mostly.

Sometimes I lose sight of this truth. I need a reminder.

Someone Else's Words

Have you lost your way or fallen down, confidence wounded by someone else’s words?

Or maybe you’re walking boldly forward, full of confidence because of someone else’s words.

Either way, have you let someone else’s words overshadow God’s truth about who you are?

Overcoming Twin Fears

Sometimes I don’t say or do the right thing. Sometimes the result is a bruised heart, punched by my words or actions. Sometimes I know it happened, sometimes I have no idea.

But most of the time, I haven’t done anything at all – I only fear it happened because I expected a response from someone and didn’t get it. Then the wheels of my fearing mind kick into high gear.

God Speaks

Yesterday morning I woke up angry, irritable, and hurting…for no specific reason. Felt annoyed by lots of little things – in fact, just about everything made me mad!  I tried to talk out why with Don, but that didn’t help or make the feelings go away.

Fathers, Don't Exasperate Your Children...

…instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.  (Ephesians 6:4 NIV)

To start with, what is exasperate?  From Dictionary.com, exasperate means “to irritate or provoke to a high degree; annoy extremely.”  What is Paul trying to say? And why is it addressed to fathers only, and not parents in general?

Close Enough

Close enough is OK when you're describing an event but miss a few details.

Close enough is OK when you're parallel parking.

Close enough is even OK when you're hanging a picture and you're not quite at the center of the wall.

But close enough is not OK when it comes to obeying God.

Whatever It Takes

Are you willing to change to be more like Jesus, whatever it takes?

This morning as I prayed for friends of mine, I thought about their struggles and their victories. Some of them are struggling now, and have been going through the same struggles for quite some time. They have sought counsel, prayed, and tried. And yet they remain strugglers.