“Tranquility.” That’s the name of the sailboat moored thirty feet from ours. It’s the word I see every time I step outside. Perhaps the good Lord put it there to remind me that, no matter what the circumstances look like outside my safe bubble, I can possess “the quality or state of being calm.”… [ read more ]
Posts Tagged: contentment
10 Gifts Our Shepherd Gives Us
holds a special place in my heart. It says, “The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need.” On my fiftieth birthday, I sat in my backyard with Bible and journal in hand. “God, please give me a theme verse for my next 50 years,” I prayed. Psalm 23:1 instantly came to… [ read more ]
When Plans Change
I’m preparing to leave for the Middle East on Sunday morning. Last week I thought I was doing great in regards to wiping my to-do list clean so I could focus on long-term writing projects in the days prior to departure. Then came a writing assignment with a due date immediately after our return…. [ read more ]
Why Our Thoughts About God Matter
Have you noticed how your thoughts about God play a vital role in your perspective and response toward stuff that happens in life? I’ve seen this prove true time and time again. Here’s a simple, current example. Where I live, winter is marked by overcast skies and rain. It’s already upon us. The… [ read more ]
Our Faces Convey a Message
Gene and I spent three hours in the Cairo airport this week. While there, I made a quick stop in the women’s washroom. After I washed my hands, an Egyptian airport worker handed me a paper towel. I thanked her and smiled. The woman’s face lit up and she nodded. I exited the… [ read more ]
God is Good—All the Time
God’s sense of humor makes me smile, especially when the joke’s on me. I wrote the Bible study Forever Changed exactly a year ago, and now the weekly online Bible study group of which I’m a member has chosen to use it. So, here I am, a student of my own study—learning from the things… [ read more ]
Purging, Purchasing, and Perspective
I spent last week at my mom’s home. She’s 86 now and still living independently, but she’s beginning to think about her options for the future. No matter what she decides, she feels compelled to purge earthly belongings. Together we sorted old dishes, linens, hand crocheted doilies, lamps, you-name-it. We boxed and bagged… [ read more ]
What Does Our Face Say?
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. ( NLT) I was deep in thought while walking in a local park when a stranger approached from the front. “Smile! Life’s not half as bad as you think it is,” he said. I… [ read more ]
Letting Go of My Stuff
Moving onto a sailboat means minimalistic living. Every day I spend several hours sorting personal belongings. Some things I’ll keep and store for when we return to land living. I haven’t a clue when that will be and don’t want to pay a fortune for storage, so these things are few. Some stuff I’m… [ read more ]
Jesus is Enough
One of my Polish friends sends emails to me a couple times each week. Writing in English is challenging for her, so she keeps her messages short. Her last email said simply, “.” My friend loves Jesus with all her heart, and she’s a valiant prayer warrior. Whenever she sends me a Bible… [ read more ]
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