Living in a northern British Columbian community for three months provided an ideal visual of what it means to be surrounded by God because, no matter which direction I looked, I saw mountains standing like sentries around me. The psalmist described a similar scene: “Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, both… [ read more ]
Posts Tagged: victory
Be on Guard When Life Takes a Detour
What does it mean to be on guard when life takes a detour? Eight months after receiving “guard” as my focus word for 2022, I’m beginning to appreciate its relevance to my life in ways I hadn’t imagined. “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong,” says (NLT). In times past,… [ read more ]
Keep Hope Alive: Host a Celebration
Afghanistan. Haiti. Covid. Forest fires. Hurricanes. Politics. The news weighs heavy on my heart. Some people might say “Stop listening to it.” I’ve thought about doing that, but turning off the news only provides temporary relief. It soothes my soul for a little while, but it doesn’t change the reality that’s out there…. [ read more ]
4 Truths to Remember When the Wind and Waves Rage
Living and traveling on a sailboat has given me a whole new appreciation for anyone who makes a living from the sea. Some days the water barely ripples and I’m able to sit in the cockpit and work on my laptop as Sailor Man guides us through BC’s islands. Other days, the wind and… [ read more ]
You Matter to an Amazing God
Sailor-Man and I are anchored at Thetis Island as I write this, grateful for the opportunity to enjoy the coastal waters once more. We weren’t sure we’d have another chance this year after our engine failure in August, but he figured out the issue and made the repairs. One of the things I… [ read more ]
Encouragement for the Weary
The past two weeks have allowed me the privilege of spending every day with two different sets of ministry coworkers and friends. We’ve walked together, shared meals, brainstormed and laughed and prayed together. I found it interesting that so many shared how they entered the new year feeling exhausted. One woman lost… [ read more ]
You Have a Personal Cheering Squad
Spending time with my grandkids is always a treat. Last weekend we celebrated a birthday party at a bike park. The older kids pedaled up, down, and around dirt hills trying to “catch air.” The younger ones found entertainment doing other things, like going for walks through the forest with Grandma and Grandpa. … [ read more ]
Post-Victory Battles
The Israelites were ecstatic over rebuilding the Temple’s foundation in Jerusalem: “The joyful shouting and weeping mingled together in a loud noise that could be heard far in the distance” (). But the next verses say, “The enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were rebuilding a Temple to the LORD,… [ read more ]
Keeping Our Battles in the Right Perspective
He prayed, “O LORD, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you!” (NLT) Terror filled King Jehoshaphat as a vast enemy army marched toward his kingdom. He responded… [ read more ]
You Can Scale Any Wall
My daughter and son-in-law enjoy climbing rock walls—like those found in God’s great outdoors, not in a rec facility. I’ve watched them, awed by their strength and teamwork. Sometimes life’s journey presents us with walls that must be climbed—a relationship, health, or money issue; a God-given task that seems insurmountable; a heavy workload;… [ read more ]
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