Whenever you get a chance, watch an orchestra conductor. He directs with his whole body, not just with the baton in his hand. Even his hair gets into the act. He feels the music, and he is determined to squeeze every ounce of beauty out of the players and the instruments in front of him. The audience can never tell exactly what he’ll do or how the orchestra will react to his every movement. Finally, with sweat pouring down him, the concert has ended and the crowd gives a standing ovation. It was a masterpiece! God is much like the conductor. In fact, He is the Great Conductor, ... 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
The Last Word
We are so quick to justify ourselves, to rationalize our standpoints and to have the last word. What drives us to have to prove that we are right? I was a shy person when my husband and I met, but I quickly learned to debate him on issues. In the twenty-seven years that we’ve been married, I have had periods of compromise and periods where I stood against him on every issue. I enjoy the periods of compromise much better because of the peace. However, when I argued with him, I’d bring out logical points to prove that I was educated and knew what I was talking about. Sure, I was right; but ... Read the Post
Thought Bazooka
I have discovered the hard way how powerful our thoughts can be. I realized that I needed to stop my every thought in micro-second speed and check it out and interrogate it before it made its way further into my mind and set up residence. If it was able to forge a home in my mind, it would be free to return at will holding me prisoner to its influences. I had occasions where my husband would say something that I would take the wrong way, and I would be reduced to tears. My mind would be flooded with all kinds of thoughts ranging from “I deserve better than this,” to “He doesn’t love me ... 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