Remember those goals/resolutions you created at the beginning of the year? You do? Wait... you don't? Where's your list of goals? "oh, right.... that list was in my head." "Goals? What goals?" "My New Year's Resolutions? Well... Uh..." That's where a lot of people are by this point in the year---all those great plans are often under a pile of papers or covered in dust. If you are on track with most of your goals for the year, congratulations! Keep up the good work! If you still have your list of goals and have fallen behind, there's no time like the present to rev them up again.
Category: encouragement
It’s time to break camp!
A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. ~ Proverbs 16.9, NKJV When I was young, I had very definite ideas about what I wanted to achieve in life. I wanted to have enough money to live in a nice big house in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I wanted a college degree, a good career and a good church to worship with. I wanted to be married, have children. I wanted to have it all. There's a funny truth about our crazy dreams: while many are attainable, they are not necessarily attainable together. I couldn't have everything without sacrificing something.
The need for Compassion (Comparison Cure #4)
This is the fifth post in the series on Comparison Cures. To read the previous post, click here. Jenny steeled herself and walked purposefully through the familiar front door. The cozy little house was already buzzing with the chatter of women. Jenny plastered a smile on her face, determined not to be the dark cloud… Continue reading The need for Compassion (Comparison Cure #4)
What is your progress report?
Tomorrow is the last day of January. One month down, eleven to go. How are you coming on your goals? You may be shifting uncomfortably in your seat, but there's no need! I'm here to encourage you to pick up the pieces and keep going! If you're on track, bravo! If you're way behind, it's time to lace up those shoes, dust off that bible, break out those knee pads and get crackin!
Am I walking by faith or frozen with fear?
We've been waiting for doors to open, putting out resumes and preparing for some lean times. We've been busy during our wait and praying hard for direction and strength. Around Christmas, we got a phone call---a potential job opportunity in Texas. Houses, food, gas (pretty much everything) is cheaper in Texas. We could do more than just "get by" over there. My immediate reaction was resistance and---though I am ashamed to admit it---fear...
Hurry up… and wait.
I was having one of those days yesterday where I was moving about smartly and all was well for the moment when... crash! I hit another catastrophe. Another obstacle! Another spot where I was forced to mark time. Have you ever had one of those days?
Remember the widowed… [The Effective Prayer 8.31.15]
She sits alone on that same old pew again His tenor voice still echoes now and then It brings back all those memories of him there by her side What she'd give for one more Sunday drive
A mere taste of heaven.
Have you ever performed in a choir, orchestra or wind ensemble? I have done all three. It's exhilarating. There is nothing quite like the simultaneity of being surrounded by and creating music. The vibrations of tightly tuned harmonies, the pulsating hypnotic rhythms, the pathos, all combine to evoke euphoric delight. Sadly, the rehearsals, performances, jam sessions,… Continue reading A mere taste of heaven.
Are you tired yet?
Do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance...
Are they stronger than steel? [The Effective Prayer 8.3.15]
Do you know a strong Christian? They may be amazing people, but they are not invincible. What can you do to help them remain strong?
