Your Impact on the World
“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others”—Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV). The daily newspaper is still a staple in my life. While some have switched to digital, I love the feel of the paper in my hands. Although I sometimes skip over or briefly scan the depressing news, I love reading positive stories about people who are making a difference in our world. I don’t consider myself a Pollyanna wearing rose-colored glasses, but I refuse to …
Finding Joy in a Chaotic World
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” –John 16:33 (NIV). Stepping outside recently, I listened as cicadas played their dusk-time tune and fireflies lit up the near dark. It reminded me of bygone days when life was simpler. If not for the heat and the mosquitoes, I would have made myself a bed on my backyard deck and let those insects sing me to sleep. Their singing reminded me of my childhood. Growing up in Louisiana, I recall …
“As Is,” Flaws and All
“Christ accepted you, so you should accept each other. This will bring honor to God”—Romans 15:7 (ERV). Have you ever purchased a product labeled “as is?” We trust the lowered price of the item we’ve bought will be worth whatever hidden flaws might emerge later on. On her 50th wedding anniversary, a woman revealed the secret of her long and happy marriage. She said, “On my wedding day, I decided to make a list of 10 of my husband’s faults which, for the sake of the marriage, I would overlook.” One of her guests asked her what some of the …
Finding Power in the Silence
“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him”—Psalm 62:5 (ESV). For some time now, I’ve been bothered by the increasing level of noise in our world. While I used to turn on the TV just to fill the sounds of silence in my house, I no longer do so. Preparing to leave in my car meant pumping up the volume of my favorite radio station before I even buckled my seat belt. Lately, in spite of the heat, I’ve enjoyed listening to the wind whistle through my lowered car window, instead of turning …
Are you clinging to your faith?
A recent discussion with my two oldest grandchildren was an opportunity to encourage them in their faith. I don’t recall how the conversation began but we were discussing world events and what it means “to be in the world, but not of it.” “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen since what is …
Are You on a Mission?
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him”—Colossians 3:17 (NIV). More than once in my lifetime, I’ve heard people say, “You must be a woman on a mission.” They were referring to my hurried pace, whether walking down the school halls where I taught for 30 years, or through the halls of some other institution where I’ve served. Others, including my now deceased father, would say, “Carol, you need to slow down.” Serious, I would reply, “I will slow down when …
Is Your Faith Greater Than Your Fears?
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”—Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV). As a young child, I was afraid of the dark, especially when it was bedtime. Although my mother placed a small nightlight in my bedroom, the bulb’s dim output did nothing to allay my fears. Before I finally drifted off to sleep, I would imagine someone or something hiding in the shadowy recesses of the room I shared with my younger sister. My fears were so palpable on some nights, I would awaken my mother to bring me a glass of water under …
Living in the Light of Jesus’ Kindness
Are you living in the light of Jesus’ kindness? “Lord, your loyal followers are happy. They live in the light of your kindness”— Psalm 89:15 (ERV). When I saw you driving up, I thought to myself, they love Jesus.” But, it wasn’t just the new shirt my friend was wearing that led to a stranger’s remark when we stopped at a gas station to fill-up on our way to the Colorado Christian Writers Conference last month. Before the young woman had even read the words on Clarice’s shirt, she’d already recognized fellow sojourners. The shirt my friend wore proclaimed, “Messy …
Can You Find Hope on the Highway of Life?
“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope”—Jeremiah 29:11 (TLB). Driving east after a four-day writers’ conference in Colorado ended, my friend and I were anxious to get home. We’d spent most of each day in workshops and visiting with other conference attendees. I’d also led two workshops. We met accomplished authors and those who dreamed of becoming an author. While there, we listened to the stories of both and shared our own stories of disappointments, trials, victories and …