The dawn of the New Year always brings moments of self-evaluation and decisions. It is time gyms are flooded with newcomers, and diet websites profit from people's desire to lose weight and improve their lives. There is no question that many devoted believers also start a new year with a renewed commitment to good health and better life choices. In the past several years, I have noticed many Christians beginning the new year with a fast - a time to "reset" their spiritual lives and cleanse Continue Reading
A New Year’s Resolution Worth Keeping {Recharge Wednesday}
But the righteous will live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4 NASB). Is anybody else feeling the need to tone up after the holidays? While tight pants scream the need for physical discipline, Paul reminds us, “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:8 NLT). Soft pillows and sweaters enhance our rest and keep us warm. But a flabby body and faith hinder us in everyday living. We know our bodies require Continue Reading
Recipe for a Wisdom Sandwich {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Did you learn to write using the sandwich strategy? Although I’m sure Saul of Tarsus didn’t know this strategy, he did follow the pattern in the famous passage found in Philippians 3:12-14: Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what Continue Reading
Take Inventory Before Planning the New Year {Atlanta Journal Constitution Column}
My first New Year’s Eve in America was frustrating, at best. As a newlywed, I was excited to spend New Year’s Eve with my new husband, celebrating in style. Originally from Brazil, I was used to the “Réveillon” celebrations, widely famous for parties that last through the morning hours, while beautiful people glamorously dressed in white crowd the beaches to watch magnificent fireworks. As it happened, my husband announced that he had to be in bed by 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. As an Continue Reading
