We’ve heard the word “contagious” more times than we can count in the past few weeks. We all know that COVID-19 is easily spread from one person to another, so we wear masks to prevent droplets from escaping our mouths. We wash our hands multiple times a day. We wear gloves at the gas… [ read more ]
Posts Tagged: joy
Encouragement for When Christmas is Difficult
“These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (). Christmas is a time for celebration, but it can also be really tough when life brings change. Perhaps you’ve lost a loved one and you’re keenly feeling the pain of the empty place. Maybe you moved far from… [ 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 ]
Recapturing the Wonder of God
“Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy” (NLT). Sunshine bathed my dining room one spring morning. Unbeknownst to me, its warmth melted the wrapped European chocolates sitting in a… [ read more ]
Our Laughter and the Father’s Delight
A baby’s giggle is one of my favorite sounds. It’s like a fountain of joy that splashes everyone within earshot. It’s a frolicking expression of not-a-care-in-the-world peace. When I hear it, I can’t help but laugh too. How much more must God enjoy the sound of His children’s laughter! It’s evidence that we’re… [ read more ]
When Life Takes an Unexpected Turn
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. (NIV) Last Friday I texted a friend with a question. She answered it, but then she added, “Did you see the post about Jennifer?” … [ 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 ]
Satisfying Your Soul Thirst
Remember the worship song, “As the Deer Pants for the Water?” It’s based on a – “As the deer pants for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God.” Purging my house in preparation to move aboard a sailboat has brought this song to mind. … [ 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 ]
Let the Banquet Begin!
In a couple of weeks I’ll board a Boeing 747 and fly to Eastern Europe again: Vancouver—Frankfurt—Berlin, followed by a five-hour ride to our final destination in Poland. My husband and I will lead a team of volunteers to host an evangelistic English-learning family camp. Each day consists of a conversational English class, a… [ read more ]
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