I can think of lots of reasons for pain and the tears that come with it. Physical ones like handicaps, illnesses or injuries. Accidental ones—someone’s sharp edges slam into mine. On-purpose ones when people mean to hurt. Then there are the hurts that are despicable—things no one should even think about doing, but they do. …
There have been lots of verses that have been special to me over the years. Some meant a great deal during a hard time. Some are just good to think about any time. But, I have a favorite verse that has colored my whole Christian life. Let us know; let us press on to know …
“God is not stopped because He’s grieved” (Tom Wenger) When I heard that in a sermon, it hit me like a lightning bolt. I wrote it down and I keep it where I can see it. It’s been a source of encouragement for a lot of years now. I do things that, I know, aren’t …
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25 ) This verse has always interested me. I think about over and over. I’ve taken it apart and put it back together. If we already “live by the Spirit” why do we need the second half? How is keeping …
God’s love always amazes me. With all the promises in the Bible, it shouldn’t, but it does. He’s amazed me again. Glenn went to Pittsburgh for Renee’s graduation (the doctor told me to stay home). One of the ceremonies would be webcast, so I could still be part of her graduation. When the time came, …
“There is as much guidance in what does not and cannot happen in my life as there is in what can and does—maybe more.” (Parker J. Palmer, quoted in The Intentional Woman) That quote struck me when I read it and it’s been on my mind ever since. When I pray for guidance, I look …
My calendar has July 10th marked and every year since 1985 I celebrate it. Wondering what it would be? It is the day they announced that classic Coke was coming back. You may not think that is celebration-worthy, but Coke fans are like that. I bought it in glass bottles until I couldn’t find it …
“The only problem with “spiritual gifts” courses is that they rarely encourage us to look at our woundedness in order to find our calling. They direct us toward our passion, but we are not a passionate society, at least not with a passion that is other-directed. Our wounds, not an inventory or a chart, direct …
I’ve been asked what I’ve learned during the past 2 1/2 years with a pinched nerve in my back, and now the slow recuperation from surgery. I guess the first thing that comes to mind is that God gives us what we need. But I mean that a little differently than you might think. Some …
There is a picture in Revelation that has always seemed strange to me. (“Just one?” you ask.) Anyway, it’s a beautiful picture. We’re all looking forward to it—God actually living in the midst of His people. Being in His presence in a new way. Walking with Him and talking with Him even closer than Adam …
