It happened every year at this time when our kids were still living at home. We’d pull our fake tree from its box, assemble it branch by branch, and prop it in its stand. Next, we’d untangle several strands of teeny colored lights and plug them into a nearby socket. That’s when the fun began…. [ read more ]
Posts Tagged: discouragement
Finding Strength to Soar
Sailor-Man and I live within sight of a nest that houses a pair of bald eagles. A few days ago, I caught a close-up of the birds in flight. The sight of these feathered majesties rising on the wind reminded me of God’s promise to strengthen His people, and I breathed a prayer of gratitude:… [ read more ]
What Is Your Response to Disappointment?
Hi, my friend! I’m currently taking a few days’ break with family, so I invited my friend Rebecca Barlow Jordan to share a post with you this week. She has some sweet insights about dealing with disappointments. I know we can all relate to that topic. Rebecca is a prolific writer and minister’s wife,… [ read more ]
Count Your Blessings
As I write this, early morning sunshine streams through my sailboat’s pilothouse windows. Sailor-Man has already left for our ministry office, and I am alone. All is quiet but for the sound of birds chirping. Theirs is a happy song, and it lifts my spirits. It reminds me of — “Therefore I tell you, do… [ read more ]
You are Held in God’s Hands
Living in a marina gives me opportunity to experience many new things. One of those is watching a sling lift boats of all shapes and sizes from the river. This happens every day as boats needing repairs show up at the boatyard. I stand in awe every time I watch the sling do its… [ read more ]
Encouragement for When You Feel Overwhelmed
I’m hearing the word “overwhelmed” a lot these days. It seems people are feeling this way over so many things: Fractured relationships over the vaccine issue News about Omicron and resulting uncertainties and restrictions Paying the bills Facing the first Christmas after losing a loved one The dread of spending Christmas with testy family… [ read more ]
How’s Your Heart Today?
I wish I could chat with each of you over a cup of coffee or tea and hear your answer to this question: “How’s your heart today?” Are you feeling like you’ve been through the wringer? Like you’ve been doing battle too long? Like your faith has been stretched as far as it… [ read more ]
Fighting our Battles by Focusing on Truth
When I wrapped up my Zoom Bible study last Tuesday, I encouraged the participants to be on their guard. “We’ve just studied five names of God,” I said. “Don’t be surprised if a test comes along in the not too distant future. Be watchful but don’t be afraid. It will give you opportunity to… [ read more ]
Choosing Joy in Life’s Hard Places
An oldie goldie song says, ‘The beat goes on, and the beat goes on.” I feel as though the lyrics describe the pandemic lockdown. I’m ready to listen to a new song, but this one hasn’t finished playing yet, and I can’t change it. What to do? On the days when I feel like… [ read more ]
A Promise for When You Feel Under Attack
Have you ever felt as though you were under a spiritual attack? I have. More than once. It happened several times immediately prior to overseas ministry trips. I’d be focused on preparing my teaching materials when a certain individual would call and levy accusations against me about something I’d said or done, sometimes years prior…. [ read more ]
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