Embrace each day with a positive attitude
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it”—Psalm 118:24 (ESV). When I saw the following post on a friend’s Facebook page, I had to share it with my readers: A famous writer was in his study and compiled the following list: 1. Last year, my gallbladder was removed. I was in bed for a long time. 2. The same year I reached the age of 60 and had to leave my favorite job. I spent 30 years with this publishing company 3. The same year my father died. …
Understanding the Paradox of Freedom
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery”—Galatians 5:1 (NIV). To most Americans, the word freedom connotes images of the American flag. We associate July 4 with the freedoms we’ve been granted by the U.S. Constitution. We celebrate our country’s independence with fireworks and parades. According to dictionary.com, freedom means “the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint.” Physical freedom is denied those locked behind prison walls. But those who have discovered a relationship …
What is Your Focus in Life?
“But God has blessed you, because your eyes can see and your ears can hear!”—Matthew 13:16(CEV). When I was in sixth grade, I was diagnosed with myopia or nearsightedness, meaning I had the ability to see near objects more clearly than distant objects. To compound the diagnosis, I also had astigmatism, an imperfection of the cornea preventing part of it from focusing light onto the retina. At 10-years-old, I was fitted for glasses. Because my eyesight was so bad, the lens in my glasses were thick in appearance, almost like the bottom of the classic soda pop bottle. As usual, …
Do You Know What Tomorrow Will Bring?
“How do you know what is going to happen tomorrow? For the length of your lives is as uncertain as the morning fog—now you see it; soon it is gone”— James 4:14 (TLB). I have all the time in the world.” After reading this quote from a 25-year-old, who had just won a six-figure payout in a tournament competition, I wanted to tell him, “No, you don’t.” His comment was in response to a reporter’s question about the young man’s plans for the prize money he had won. He planned to save it, for now, according to the newspaper article, but …
Praising God Through the Trials and Turmoil
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God”— Psalm 43:5 (ESV). Gulley-washing rains have plagued parts of the country during the past months, leaving a path of destruction behind in many areas. Lives have been lost and property has been destroyed due to the flooding. Living close to the lake, I’ve seen the aftermath. My house is on higher ground but some of my neighbors have had to contend with rising water because their homes are lakefront property. …
Seeking God’s Wisdom in Practical Ways
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm”— Proverbs 13:20(NRSV). Social media and 24/7 news programs have added a new dimension to the cacophony of voices clamoring for our attention. While there are some advantages to having this access, I am beginning to think they are surpassed by the negative weighing us down and often leading to wrong choices. As fabricated stories, also called fake news, continue to proliferate on these social sites, it has become more difficult to discern the truth. Although some are outright unbelievable, many will fall for the false information …
Are You Doing Life God’s Way?
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see”— Hebrews 11:1 (CEB). The lyrics to an old Frank Sinatra tune come back to haunt me sometimes. Part of the song goes, “I planned each charted course, each careful step along the byway and more, much more than this, I did it my way.” Why do these words resonate with me? Before Jesus got ahold of me, I tried to chart my own course. I tried to do things my way. Looking back, I can see my way wasn’t always the best. I …
Why Does God want us to Pray for Others?
“Pray much for others; plead for God’s mercy upon them; give thanks for all he is going to do for them”— 1 Timothy 2:1(TLB). I listened as a friend prayed with me over the phone about a family situation. Melita is a true prayer warrior, and I treasure our bond as sisters-in-Christ. I had called, leaving a voice message when she didn’t answer. I didn’t expect to hear back until the next day. It was late. However, my friend returned the call before she retired for the night. I was humbled by this beautiful friend’s willingness to return my call so …
The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children
“For this child I prayed; and the Lord has granted me the petition that I made to him”— 1 Samuel 1:27(NRSV). When a child is born, a mother anxiously checks for 10 fingers and 10 toes. She waits to hear the verdict from the medical staff that her child is healthy and whole. It’s a time of wonder when that tiny being is first placed in your arms and a time of uncertainty when you’re released to return home with the responsibilities of caring for a new life. As each year passes, we watch our children grow, revealing their distinct …