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
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
Valley Promises {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
What if we knew God had valley promises just waiting for us to claim and cling to? Because sometimes we travel on a journey we never chose. A valley experience. And we never made reservations, packed our bags, or headed off in that direction. Besides, my heart’s GPS is wired to stay on the mountain top. Isn’t that what we secretly or openly wish the Christian life promised? Still, we often forget God’s glory and presence dwells wherever we are, and in whatever we Continue Reading
Finding Purpose in Personal Tragedy {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
I shook my head in disbelief as I read the news shared in the group text. A dear friend is fighting for her life at the hospital, and as I reached out to my close friends to ask for prayers, they shared about two other acquaintances from my previous church who are also in critical condition. My heart sank. These friends did not have any known health concerns until a couple of weeks ago. They are full of life, still young, and some of the godliest people I know. Since then, my friends Continue Reading
When You Face Temptation {Recharge Wednesday}
“Hurry Mom! Cosette ran off. Max came to get me,” my daughter called to me. I ran to the door and saw my 87-pound poodle staring at me. “Where is Cosette? Show me,” I said to Max. He raced around the side of the house and zipped up and down the invisible fence line that faced the wooded area next to a busy road. An invisible fence surrounds our yard to protect our dogs from wandering. Since both my dogs now know the boundary, I don’t bother with their collars half the time. Big mistake Continue Reading
Oh You Of Lasting Faith {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Oh you of little faith,” Jesus said to Peter in Matthew 14:31. I get it. The guy was sinking. His succumbing to the waves, we’re explicitly told, is because he doubted. So yes, his failing faith left him flailing in the moment. But before that? Peter got out of the boat. “Jesus,” I want to challenge, “doesn’t that count for something?” It would make sense in my mind if Jesus called Peter’s faith "promising." I’d like for Peter to have gotten some credit, a pat on the Continue Reading
