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
Real Freedom: Day of Deliverance {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
In America, we recently remembered and celebrated liberty as a country. But I always like to celebrate how I’m spiritually free in Jesus Christ, too. So when I read a letter John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail, about Independence Day in 1776, I found this interesting. “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.” (Wikipedia, Continue Reading
10 Reasons God’s a Faithful Father {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Loving. Caring. Faithful. These words come to mind when I think of fathers. But my earthly father abandoned me for part of my childhood. When my dad reappeared in my life, he was a self-proclaimed atheist. He held no belief in God, much less the idea of a heavenly Father who loves and never leaves His children. Yet, after sixteen years of praying for him, my dad finally believed in God and accepted Christ as Savior. Dad passed away in 2010. So, I’m always a little tear-filled, a Continue Reading
