My bare feet made their way up the ladder, mortified to back out now. A jump from the high-diving board. Could I pull it off with a secret fear of heights? A public embarrassment to turn around and go the same way I had arrived—down the ladder and past the people waiting in line. And I just knew as pool-siders gawked behind sunglasses, What a scaredy-cat! would also cross their minds. My twin sister and I hung out at the local pool several days a week every summer. This adventure Continue Reading
When It Looks Foolish to Trust God {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Have you ever noticed how often the bad guys seem to come out on top? How many faithful partners are left to raise their kids and pay the bills while the unfaithful ones enjoy new cars, homes, and vacations with hot new partners? Or how often does the responsible spouse have to share the custody of her child and pay child support to her ex-spouse who refuses to keep a job? We’ve all witnessed—and experienced—times of injustice when God seems absent. If God is good and sovereign, how could Continue Reading
Your No Is As Important As Your Yes {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” Matthew 5:37 Are you afraid of saying no? I am! What a gift that Scripture doesn’t condemn the word no. Rather, the Bible highlights the importance of keeping your word, whether it’s a yes or a no. Every no is a yes to something else, and vice versa. Imagine if Jesus was as uncomfortable with saying no as so many of us are. What if, instead of saying “get behind me, Satan!” to Peter, He said Continue Reading
The Voice of Hope {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Maybe you're familiar with the voice of reason. The adage means a person’s communication toward a particular issue is level-headed and reasonable. Or, the voice of truth. Also a song title for the Christian band, Casting Crowns. For believers, the voice of truth comes directly from God and His Word. Another voice comes directly from God's Word. So let me introduce you to the voice of Hope. I pray we listen carefully to her words. And we welcome Hope’s message into our heart to live Continue Reading
A Delightful Way to Stop Fretting {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
A friend recently remarked, “I’m starting my morning wondering what new loss or bad news the day will bring.” 2020 has punched many people in the gut. Has a long battle or diet of bad news caused you to fret? Whether your enemy is physical, emotional, or spiritual, I have good news. You have help! Scripture reminds us God is our strength and deliverer. No enemy can defeat Him. He doesn’t expect us to rescue ourselves from trouble. He will save us. But—we have a role to play. If you aren’t Continue Reading
Why Did You Bring Me Here, God? {Recharge Wednesday}
I remember the excitement when the phone call came. “We just have to finalize it, but you can schedule that moving truck,” the Midwestern man’s voice exclaimed. Expectantly, we did. We waited. But the paperwork never arrived. Weeks later, the same voice apologized on the phone. Unforeseen circumstances arose. The position was canceled. We’re weren’t moving to Iowa. We were moving, though… we had to. We waited. Living out of suitcases at my in-laws’ house, we sought work. We Continue Reading
