Hearing for the HolidaysA fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. Proverbs 18:2 (NIV)As much as I would love for my family holidays to reflect the lyrics of the Christmas music we hear at this time of year, for most of us, having a...
The One Who ThanksAnd one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. Luke 17:15-16 (NKJV)The woman and her young daughter in front of me at...
Keeping the PeaceWhenever you enter someone’s home, first say, ‘May God’s peace be on this house.’ If those who live there are peaceful, the blessing will stand; if they are not, the blessing will return to you. Luke 10:5-6 (NLT)When I leave the comfort of my home and...
Called and NearI called on your name, Lord from the depths of the pit.You heard my plea: “Do not close your ear to my cry for relief.”You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.” Lamentations 3:55-57 (NIV)Isat in the ICU, watching my 15-year-old son...
Captive ThoughtsWe destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV)I have the privilege of working for an international humanitarian aid organization, and on a daily...
A Conduit for a Blessing But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.It has no worries in a...
The Risk in Rushing But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 (ESV) "H ow’s your summer?” one mom asked another a few feet away from me on the sidewalk. “Or rather, how was your summer? I guess...
Who Is Really King?Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. Psalm 139:4 (NIV)Ifunction best when I am prepared. This isn’t a bad thing. In fact, my need to control the variables comes in handy for me and my family. We never run out of milk. I...
Walking TogetherAnd let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)I started walking...
The Dangers of Spiritual Sleepwalking But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, “Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.” Acts 20:10 (ESV) A ccording to Sleep Foundation, sleep-walking affects 29% of children and about 4% of adults. Tales of...
Setting Him Before Us I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8 (ESV) W ordle is an internet game where a new word is released every day and you get six attempts to guess it. Silly right? WRONG! My love for...
Proof of ID "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV) I I planned my business at the bank for their least busy hour, so I could cash a...
Embracing Change "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:19 (NIV) During the spring semester of my senior year of high school, I was so ready to go to college...
Sneaky Subtle Pride When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2 (ESV) Even though we don’t like to admit it, we’re all a little more prideful than we’d like to be. But sometimes pride can be tricky. There is subtle pride, and it...
Seize the Opportunity What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him. I Corinthians 2:9 (ESV) About two years ago, my aunt called me ecstatically, sharing that she won a $10 ticket to see the famous...
Words To Live By Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Phillipeans 4:8 (ESV) Growing up, the front of our refrigerator was covered with scripture,...
Hidden in the Heart I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. Psalm 119:16 ome claim that we remember only ten to twenty percent of what we read or hear. Others debate that estimate, saying it isn’t that simple. Numerous...
A Better Plan What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him. I Corinthians 2:9 ugust 7th, 2021 was the day I had been dreaming about since I was a little girl. My family, fiancé and...
Always Knock For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:8 fter years of online teaching, I recently returned to the classroom at Carroll Community College. I love night...
The Influence Of Our Words Death and life are in the power of the tongue… Proverbs 18:21 (ESV) ometimes I forget that my words have power. Too often, I’ve said something hurtful because I didn’t fully weigh my words ahead of time. Or, when I...
A Father's Resemblance For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. John 13:15 ave you seen a movie or read a book where someone later in life finds out their parents are not actually their birth parents? I...