“There are no hopeless situations; there are only people who have grown hopeless about them.” — Clare Boothe Luce On the 29th chapter of the book of the prophet Jeremiah, a famous verse stands out as one of the most quoted passages in the Old Testament: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This verse is often highlighted during religious schools' commencement ceremonies. It serves as a Continue Reading
An Unstoppable Faith {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
The Christian journey is founded on faith and lived in faith. There’s this thing in my life that I continue to pray over, wait on, and hope for. And it’s kind of a big deal. Something to give God glory in and for. Meanwhile, I often teeter between excitement and feeling a bit overwhelmed. So, I sometimes smile in anticipation. Or, I jump up and down on the inside when I imagine the possibility of it happening. Then, only moments later, a knot forms in the pit of my stomach wondering Continue Reading
Digging Deep – A New Study Bible Review
A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.” Theodore Roosevelt “Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for all the problems men face.” Ronald Reagan Studying, not just reading Scriptures, has changed the course of my life forever. Anyone who knows me intimately understands that I approach reading the Bible a little differently. For example, in the 26 years since becoming a Christian, I have never followed a "read the bible in one year" reading plan. I Continue Reading
Let the Church Be Cautious But Not Fearful {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
The email caught my husband by surprise. He has worked with the gentleman for three years but did not know that the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York had changed his life forever. In a short message, his colleague asked my husband to pray for his family. Like many New York residents, 9/11 brings him painful memories. His wife, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and several friends died that dreadful morning. Nineteen years later, his heart still grieves. To many Americans, the sting and Continue Reading
Am I Responsible for Their Happiness? {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
The tendency to confuse faithfulness with responsibility runs deep in my DNA. One time I decided to put together a Saturday conference for the women in our church. My husband and I led a large Sunday School class, and I envisioned women primarily from our class attending. When I learned how many were registering, I began to worry. Why were so many coming? What were they expecting? This wasn’t an event I’d spent months planning. I hadn’t even promoted it except for a notice in the Continue Reading
Don’t Rush God’s Best
"For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear,Nor has the eye seen a God besides You,Who acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him." Isaiah 64:4 The clock showed 5:30 am. I could certainly stay in bed for another hour, but I knew better. I had been trying to fall asleep again for the past hour to no avail. So I dragged my tired self out of bed, thanking God for coffee. “Fortunately”, I thought, “I don’t have to wait for an entire pot of java to brew”. About two years Continue Reading
