Is trusting God difficult for you? Or, would you prefer to place your trust in yourself or others? And have you ever wondered: How will I get through this? Where do I turn? What are we going to do? Several times in my life, it felt as if I were free-falling. Like an amusement park ride, the bottom fell out from under me. Such as the times my husband or I lost a job, our livelihood. And when I miscarried our second baby and hoped to have another child. Also, when my father passed Continue Reading
What If We Let God be God This Year? {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Besides parties, fireworks, and countdowns to midnight, the term “brand-new” conjures up all kinds of hopes and dreams. Although a new year brings excitement about what lies ahead, it may also bring uneasiness about what’s expected of us. Or, what we expect of ourselves. Then, we make grandiose resolutions and plans and dream bigger and bigger with each passing year trying to top the previous one. But I never make resolutions. There’s too much burden in making, keeping, measuring, and Continue Reading
The Gift of Grace {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
When we think of Christmas gifts, our thoughts ponder what to buy that family member who has everything. Or, the person who is particular in their taste. Perhaps we wonder what treasures lay under the tree for us. But what are those intangible gifts we can offer to others and hope to receive in return? As I was pondering things like love, forgiveness, encouragement (all great gifts), the Lord captured my attention when He whispered to my heart: Karen, grace is the greatest gift, a good Continue Reading
Try This Great Recipe for a Thankful Heart {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Who loves a great recipe? My hand’s raised. Whether it’s our favorite foods or trying something new, recipes assist in the desired result. Even online dish-and-recipe photos pull us in with the promise of achieving success as the cook. Every Thanksgiving, I follow a special recipe to make my Grandmother Clarkston’s lemon pie. Yum. It’s my favorite dessert of all time. Then, as soon as I post pie photos on social media, family and friends, far and wide, ask for the recipe. Stirring up a Continue Reading
4 Things That Never Define Us {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
It seemed like she looked right through me. You’re the pastor’s wife? You’re not what I expected. Have you ever been anyone’s “not what I expected”? If you’ve lived any amount of time on this earth, it’s highly likely. And this certainly wasn’t my first rodeo for not meeting someone’s expectations, and it wouldn’t be my last. The Wrong Definitions Because all the wrong ways others attempt to define us, or we attempt to define ourselves, have circulated for countless ages. Really, Continue Reading
Practical Prayers From Head to Toe {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Often we forget to pray specific and practical prayers. Like prayers taken directly from God’s Word that are powerful when spoken over the various areas of our lives. This is especially true where we struggle. So let’s address the issues we face as believers from head to toe. And these prayers include the help we need from the Bible. Our prayers include: our mind, eyes, ears, mouth, shoulders, heart, hands, and feet. Everything from our head to our toes. Practical Prayers: Continue Reading