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 …
What leads to a satisfying life?
“Do nothing from selfish ambition 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. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men”— Philippians 2:3-7 (ESV).
Before You Say a Word, God Knows
“Lord, even before I say a word, you already know it”—Psalm 139:4 (NCV). Trying to punch my pillow into submission, I tossed and turned in the unfamiliar bed, hoping to get some much needed sleep before I spoke at a women’s event the next morning. I never rest well in a hotel bed. I doubt I’m alone. However, it wasn’t just the strange surroundings leading to my insomnia. I was emotionally, mentally and physically drained. Not only had I been in preparation for the speech I would give the next day, I was also preparing for an upcoming week-long event …
When Everything Seems to Go Wrong
“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). Pulling up to the intercom to place my order at a fast food place, I noticed something amiss. Normally, the vehicles waiting in line would have pulled up a ramp to the window to pay for and pick up their meal. However, they were bypassing the usual route and parking next to the ramp. Before I could figure out what was happening, the employee taking orders explained. “We have …
The Meaning of Life and Letting Go of Selfish Pursuits
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms”— 1 Peter 4:19 (NIV). When I was a teacher, one of the questions many of my high school seniors struggled with was what to do after graduation. Some were focused, knowing they were on track for college, higher vocational training or military service. Others planned to go immediately to work after school ended, while some struggled with their future choices. Even some of those on a chosen path were often uncertain about choosing a major field of …
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Are You Sowing Spiritual Seeds?
“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest’”—John 4:34-35(NIV). Glancing out my kitchen window several weeks ago, I saw a squirrel stealing seed from the feeder on my back deck. They had not bothered my feeders all winter. I rapped on the window and laughed as he scrambled away, almost falling to the ground in his haste to escape. Numerous oak trees …