I watched in awe as player No. 7 at the other side of the net jumped to hit the ball. “Flawless,” I said to myself. There was no better word to describe the 15-year-old’s technique and precision. I counted the number of Division 1 school volleyball coaches watching her intently – eight coaches from around the country took notes after her every kill. My daughter’s team’s defense helplessly scrabbled to stop her. As a parent, it was undoubtedly hard to witness the defeat. As a coach, I took Continue Reading
Do You Think About These Things? {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
“Bethanyland is a magical place,” I like to say to my husband when he calls me back to reality because I stopped listening and got lost in thought (again). The truth is, I spend a lot of time thinking. Most of us do. We dwell on things in the shower, in the car, at work, while we exercise, while we cook and clean, while we’re falling asleep….and yes, even while we’re supposed to be listening. God makes clear in Scripture that He wants us to be purposeful with our thoughts. We’re to Continue Reading
Never Underestimate Prayer {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Many times we underestimate the considerable power of prayer. And what praying accomplishes in our lives, hearts, and in the heavenly realm. Because believing in prayer is not the same as actually spending time in prayer. So we often struggle in this area of the Christian walk. In these current unprecedented days, I desire to spend more time with God in prayer—to anchor myself to Him. I need the power of prayer every day. Let’s unpack some reasons not to Continue Reading
Ponder the Reasons You Serve God {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
Gaither Music Group is known worldwide for its award-winning recordings, including the Gaither Gospel Series. It is one of the world’s largest independent Christian music companies and a household name for millions of fans. Their Gaither Homecoming videos showcase gospel music pioneers, many of which are the most renowned performers in the gospel genre. I have enjoyed their “Gaither Homecoming” videos for many years. Some time ago, my husband and I watched one of their recordings when the Continue Reading
Saying Goodbye to a Pet: A Reminder of God’s Love {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
“When the vet calls to confirm Tuesday’s appointment don’t cancel this time.” My husband had made two appointments to put our fourteen-and-a-half-year-old lab down, but each time she seemed to rally. So I’d canceled the appointments. Larry’s back is more important than giving our girl a little more time, I told myself. But I grieved. Corrie was deaf and lame but still alert in the evenings. She never whimpered when she fell, though her falls had to hurt her arthritic body. Our vet said most Continue Reading
Honor Your Aging Parents {the Atlanta Journal-Constitutional}
I watched his eyes sparkle and his smile widen as we talked about the parallel between nature and the seasons of life. We have that in common, daddy and I – we tend to introspectively stretch our hearts to see God’s hand in everything. And nature is undoubtedly one of the most common canvases where our poetic veins soar in search of meaning for life’s highs and lows. At 87, dad still inspires me with his positive outlook on life, even though he has struggled with health issues for several Continue Reading
