Growing Through Change
How do you respond when confronted with change? Do you groan at the idea? Or do you have a tinge of exhilaration? My reaction is initially negative, without consideration of potential positive possibilities. I wish I had a pioneering spirit, but I like the comfort of ...
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My Unexpected Valentine
Have you ever dreaded a holiday? For years, I dreaded Valentine's Day. February 14 shouted, You're all alone; your husband left you. It wasn’t about candy or flowers; I wanted someone to notice me; to see the real me and not reject me. My constant ...
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Honoring God With Our Goals
What is your focus for 2024? What we focus on expands. As Christians, we know we’re supposed to focus on God, but what does that look like? The Christian faith is a course of lifelong perseverance with full concentration on Jesus. It’s not a competition; ...
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Gazing at the Christ of Christmas
Do you tear through holiday tasks like a machine, cranking out the baking, shopping and decorating, but forget the miracle? Have you gawked at the Christmas lights, only to miss the Light of the world? Is present-giving more important than being present? Have Christmas traditions ...
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Mysterious Miraculous Marriage
It was 5:00 am when I secretly stared at my husband while he shaved. His form was highlighted amidst the dark by the vanity light. For eons, he’s followed the same morning routine to prepare for work. I’m honored to share life with him. In ...
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A Cup of Hope
I sat on my hands to keep them warm. My heart pounded and my thoughts darted in a million directions. I wanted to read but I couldn’t concentrate. My prayers were earnest but not enthusiastic. Also, I was hungry. How long would we be stuck ...
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How to Keep Praying Without Seeing Answers
How do we faithfully pray about our greatest concerns when weeks turn into decades and we don’t see answers we've longed for? How can we experience joyful lives while waiting on God? Most of us are waiting for answers to prayers we’ve prayed for years ...
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How Will Your Life be Spent?
“Lord, I’m your currency, spend me how you wish.” My early morning walk was a perfect time to pray. The “money terms” first occurred to me a few weeks earlier on my way to church. I sang an old song as I drove. “Wow, my ...
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Four Ways to Enjoy Life More
When I was young, time wasn’t something I thought about. Days felt the same as I went about routines and responsibilities. I lived in the rhythm of doing the next thing. Having watched many years vanish, I yearn for my life to no longer be ...
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The Wonder of a New Friend
One hot humid July day I made a new friend. A cute young black woman caught my eye as I pounded the asphalt route in our neighborhood. Our paths merged onto a narrow sidewalk. There we were side by side, with nowhere else to go ...
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Do I Really Love You, Lord?
“Lord, do I really love You?” My words came suddenly without thought. I’d never questioned my love for Him. There I was, driving to my first solo retreat in the mountains. Even before I left town, I was gabbing with Him. I wanted to take ...
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My Jesus Revolution
One sunny, chilly day in Gulf Shores, Alabama, I encountered Jesus. It was spring break in my senior year of high school. Several friends and I shared a small, concrete block house, just off the beach. As I ambled along, watching the waves, an odd ...
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