Dependence
For most of us, asking for help is difficult. I really don’t prefer it; some of you may not as well. Yet, God lets us know time and time again that we need help. After all, He refers to us most often as sheep—the most difficult and demanding of any livestock on earth. Admitting need […]
Wishing for Something Different
All was quiet in the office that day—all but the questions and quandaries that had plagued their minds over the past year. The doctor’s confirmed diagnosis resolved one set of questions, raised another set of questions, and removed their hope for a better outcome. Nothing was unusual in the months that followed—pain persisted, friendships faded, […]
Thanksgiving
I’ve got a love affair going with Thanksgiving. It has been going on for over seventy years, as far back as I can remember. Hands down, it’s my favorite holiday of all. Here’s why. First of all, it seems to blend together all we Americans hold precious and dear—without the sham and plastic mask of […]
Awakening Grace
Philippians 1:6 Want a boost of encouragement? Our God is working toward that end in all of His children. It is His constant pursuit, His daily agenda, as He points us toward our final destination, “the Celestial City,” as Bunyan calls it. Having cleansed our hearts of the debris of inward corruptions and the dust […]
Remember to Forget
Post-it® notes and personal lists . . . where would we be without them? If you are anything like most folks I know, we use them for reminding us of things to do, meetings to attend, appointments to keep, and events to celebrate. In fact, on my desk right now I have seven different Post-it® […]
One Step at a Time
by Michael Woods adapted by Colleen Swindoll Thompson Don Bennett was on top of the world. He was wealthy; he owned a ranch, an eight-bedroom waterfront home on Mercer Island, and a ski chalet. Life was good, until everything changed. A boating accident resulted in Don losing his right leg; and while he was in […]
Tending Sheep
by Annette Monts Falls Friday, July 29, 2011 at 2:49pm-Journal Today I’ve been asked to post the following written words that I expressed last night as a note that can be shared if desired. In all my years of wondering what the purpose was for much of the life I’ve been a participant, I am […]
Playing Hooky
Laughter is key to a full life. This week, I tripped, spilled, stumbled, tumbled, and fumbled. I would assume you have your own stories as well. But have you learned to laugh at such mishaps? I hope you will, as I have, because laughter brings freedom and joy to life. Over time, I found one […]
An Advocate
When I read this, I thought of you and all of us who care for loved ones in need. An Advocate by Charles R. Swindoll Job is portrayed as “blameless, upright, fearing God, and turning away from evil” (Job 1:1) . . . and yet the bottom drops out of his world. He loses everything […]
Can We Be Friends?
Talking TO God in private is personal. Talking ABOUT God in public is, well . . . public. And talking TO God in public? Problematic! Usually, we get tongue-tied. We worry about sounding spiritual, saying what’s “right,” and what others think. At times, talking to God in public comes easily: At religious events, such as […]
Back to School
It’s back-to-school time! I’m guessing some parents (including me) are delighted, and most kids are disappointed. Kids tend to ask lots of questions before school begins: “Will I be riding the bus?” “Who is my teacher?” “Are the kids nice?” “Do I wear regular clothes or a uniform?” But kids don’t ask questions just about […]
Where Are You Looking?
I was lonely and asked the Lord to speak to me. I received a letter from a dear friend, but I didn’t hear the Lord’s voice. I was grieving and asked the Lord to comfort me. A friend stopped by and sat with me as I cried, but I asked the Lord to comfort me. I was […]