enLIVEn Devotionals

Abiding in Jesus - Overflowing His Spirit

Never Give In, But Never Give Up!

After reading a Bible study lesson, I started to reflect on my troublesome-teen years and how my mother never gave up on me. I made poor decision after poor decision, and she stayed by my side through it all. This got me thinking about my own son and what I would do if faced with the same awful circumstances my mom faced years ago. What would I do if I had to watch my son make horrible life decisions and he was about to experience their ugly consequences? My HEART would tell the “Compassionate Mom” in me to swoop down and save him before he felt the bitter sting of these consequences. My ... Read the Post

One Step at a Time

My grandson Richard is a vivacious child who brings so much joy into our lives. I think back to a few years ago when he was about three years old and spending the night at my house. I was finishing my evening by straightening the house, and the last thing on my list was to take the trash out. I told Richard he could stand inside the doorway of our den and wait for me while I took out the trash. I explained that I would be right back. I will never forget the horrified look on his little face; he looked like he was about to cry. I asked him to come with me, but he wouldn’t. It had just gotten ... Read the Post

There's Only One Judge

I have the dearest, sweetest mother-in-law you could ever find. Our relationship is one that I value and cherish more each and every year. Recently while on a visit with her, I noticed that she was gossiping quite a bit. This was not like her at all. Over the course of the evening, it seemed that the gossip worsened. I finally had enough and I confronted her. The moment that the accusation left my lips, I knew I had crossed over a sacred mother-in-law, daughter-in-law line that should never be crossed. She defended herself, and I awkwardly tried to explain my reasons of dislike toward her ... Read the Post

It's Only Money

It was May and God had been doing some amazing things at my my church, Bay Area Fellowship. My husband and I felt compelled to take $1000 out of our savings account and donate it to our church. This was a big deal for us. We are avid savers and have always liked the cushion of our savings account. Little did we know that God was soon going to ask much more of us. I was driving home one day and saw a woman carrying a newborn in a carrier walking down Staples Street. It was hot and there were mosquitoes everywhere. I felt like God was calling me to give her a ride. I picked her up and learned ... Read the Post

Ordinary People

I've always thought myself a "fringe" person. In middle school, it was the cusp of sitting at the cool kids table; college, the cusp between being a trusted friend or just another acquaintance; and now as a parent, the cusp between having it "put together" and any number of steps away from that ideal. I'm guilty of basing my worth on the acceptance of those who I perceive to be on the "cool" side. My parents stressed the importance of acceptance, and I try to include everyone in my circle. My own neuroticisms convince me that I'm not worthy of sitting at the cool kid's table. God has ... Read the Post