Determining the Lord’s focus word for me at the start of each year is usually a fun exercise. This year the process has been less fun and more a painful path to self-discovery. My word is—drum roll, please—“listen.” It’s not the word I wanted. I tried to ignore it. I picked and… [ read more ]
Posts Tagged: Matthew
A Simple Prayer When We Need Jesus to Teach Us
The back-to-school season has arrived again. Depending on where they live and work, some teachers have already welcomed their students. Others are busy setting up their classrooms or will soon be doing so. And some—homeschoolers, for instance—are preparing, too, only in a different setting. Teachers play a vital role in their students’ lives. They… [ read more ]
The Perfect Christian
Hi! I’m still in Romania. On Monday and Tuesday, our team will serve children and do home visits in a village a couple hours’ drive from Resita. This has become an annual event that complements the work our career staff are doing in the area. We’ll drive back to Budapest, Hungary on Wednesday. On Thursday,… [ read more ]
Why Do We Doubt God?
Jesus asked the best questions. Here’s one that catches my attention: “Why did you doubt me?” Jesus had just fed about five thousand men plus women and children with five loaves of bread and two fish. After the disciples had collected the leftovers, He told them to get into a boat and cross the lake… [ read more ]
Encouragement for the Weary
Hands down, last week’s highlight was meeting and cuddling grandbaby Alexandra. She’s a seven-pound bundle of pure precious. I know her parents say Alexandra’s worth the nine-month wait, the long and excruciating labor, and the sleepless nights since her debut. But to say they’re tired is an understatement. That’s why I’m lending a hand for… [ read more ]
Exhale Stress, Inhale Peace
I haven’t written a blog for a couple of weeks, and for good reason: My daughter-in-law delivered a wee baby boy on December 6th—a month early. Baby’s lungs were underdeveloped, and as a result, he was immediately placed in the NICU. Our son phoned us with the news early that morning and said, “We… [ 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 ]
Finding Hope When Nothing’s Going Right
The word “all” is teeny but don’t overlook its might. Here are several verses that will instill hope when you’re tempted to say, “Nothing’s going right.” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men this is impossible, but all things are possible with God.” ( Amplified) I can do all things… [ 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 ]
Let Jesus Teach You
This morning I read a familiar verse in my quiet time—“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls’”… [ read more ]
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