At this moment I’m doing a one of my favorite Bible studies by Beth Moore, Believing God. This week we are studying about our heritage and what that means to those around us. The definition for heritage means something that is passed down from proceeding generations, like traditions. I don’t know about you, but there are some things in my life that I do not want to pass down to my children: my temper, my stubbornness, my teenage rebellion. Yikes! The thought of passing those down to my children scares me to death. But there is hope! I can start a new heritage for my family, and so can you. ... Read the Post
Count the Cost
Many years ago during a church service, I heard a preacher say, “That which counts the most, costs the most.” As I heard these words, my mind began to muse on what counted the most to me. Without much hesitation, salvation came to the forefront. That was the most valuable thing to me. Then in an instant later I saw the contradiction. Salvation does count the most, but what did I do to pay for it? How has salvation cost me the most? Even if I wanted to, how could I pay for it? Even If I gave all I had, it still wouldn’t be enough. I could offer myself, but that’s a measly offering. My ... Read the Post
Crossing the Jordan
Have you ever felt like you are trying to get somewhere, but it is taking forever? You seem to run in to every obstacle, and people are not responding to you according to your time schedule. I feel that way right now. We have our house on the market and are hoping to move back into town near our friends and church. However, things are just not coming along quickly enough for me. I have my toddler enrolled in two different schools and my nine year old enrolled in a private school in September. I’m relying on the fact that we will be living in our new house by then. I know that God has his ... Read the Post
Curiosity
It never ceases to amaze me how much I am driven by the curiosity to see something sparkly and/or something colorful. Then as I gaze at it, touch it, put it next to me, it’s as if my mind is beginning to possess it before I’ve even decided that I want to buy it. It’s not as if I need another shirt or pair of shoes or even more beads for bracelets. I have enough already to last me for four years at least! But…I want it. Oftentimes I walk right up to the edge of the purchase and then change my mind. What usually stops me is remembering that the newness of the purchase will eventually end. ... Read the Post
Daniel Diet
Today I started the Daniel Diet – a promise to myself and God that I will drink only water and eat only fruits and vegetables for the next ten days. This is my attempt to detox my body (God’s temple) of harmful toxins in my system – a result of indulging in too many of my favorite foods, munchies and sweets. After talking it over, my family decided to pursue the Daniel Diet together, knowing it will mean significant changes in our meals and eating habits. We can only have fruits and vegetables for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks - along with lots of water. No raisin bread, oatmeal, ... Read the Post
Death of My Dreams
Many years ago my sister and I were very, very close. Our seven combined children were small, and we planned to be together five or six times a year for holidays and summers. We lived several miles away from each other, so we were adamant about making the time for us all to be together. My sister and I created Easter baskets for our children, held Halloween and birthday parties, and thought up any and every conceivable way for us to see each other. Our husbands got along well, and our children loved the time with their cousins. More importantly, my sister and I got to be together and love ... Read the Post