Wrinkles is a female Sharpai owned by an eighty-five year old man named B.J. of Gulfport, Mississippi. My volunteer and very amateur construction crew worked for five days to finish hanging the sheetrock in B.J.’s hurricane damaged home. I was initially apprehensive about giving up a much needed Spring Break to volunteer in Katrina ravaged Gulfport. However, I have learned over time that I might miss a blessing by not participating in an opportunity that God presents to me, and I was not disappointed this time. As the renovations unfolded, so did the story of Wrinkles and his owner B.J. ... Read the Post
Liberating Forgiveness
Once my husband and I got into an argument over who knows what; and, as usual, he had the last word. I burned inside, and my thoughts ran wild. I went up to take my shower and to be alone. As I poured out my sorrows to God — the shower is a great place to pray — I told Him everything that my husband said, what my husband meant by his words, and that I knew my point of view was right. How could he say that to me? After all I’d done for him! The nerve of that man! I planned on giving him a glacial silent treatment. That would teach him. As I continued to pout, I felt a familiar conviction ... Read the Post
Doing Life with God
Just when I felt like all was well among the Beck Household, tragedy came along to upset the applecart: A teenager involved in a car accident, a second car accident, a daughter considers divorce, an unplanned surgery and, finally, a third car accident. I’m suddenly surrounded by situations that have me turning to God in prayer. I don’t journal my prayers; but if I did, my journal would probably include excerpts like this: “Thank you, God, for protecting my daughter and those involved in the accident. Thank You for car insurance to cover damages and a rental car to drive while repairs are ... Read the Post
God is the Master Problem Solver
I have always known that God answers prayers, and I have seen Him move in miraculous, undeniable ways. However, I admit that I am guilty of not always bringing Him my day-to-day challenges. I suppose I feel that I bother Him enough, and He’s probably pretty busy with more important things anyway! This was my mind-set while listening to my church pastor’s message about allowing God to illuminate solutions. I was having a really difficult time juggling my many responsibilities in life – mothering three children, working part-time, helping my husband with his business, doing church activities, ... Read the Post
Loving the Porcupine
When we read the scripture about loving our enemy, we might envision a deranged lunatic out to kill us. But in actuality our enemy is usually a person close to us: a boss or co-worker, a parent, an in-law, a son or daughter, a student, a friend or a spouse. This person may have consistently hurt us, or they may have hurt us only briefly. This person may have felt remorse for what they have done, or they may not have acknowledged it. These people are porcupines because whenever we get close to them, we get hurt. Enemies come in every shade and hue that it is impossible to ... Read the Post
A Mother's Sacrifice
I never knew how much sacrifice it would take to have children and to raise them. It’s like our society sweeps the importance of being a mother under a rug. Being a mom just doesn’t seem to be a big deal compared to a woman’s appearance, her education or her resume. I know as a youth, I took my mom for granted. But as I care for both my sons, I’ve come to appreciate my mom and all moms everywhere. Mothers really do rock! From the moment my first baby was conceived, my entire life became a living sacrifice: a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual sacrifice. And because of this, I am in ... Read the Post
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