As a child of God, you are swimming against the current. If you try doing this alone (without Christ) it won't work. You will fail. We need Christ---His power, His wisdom, and His saving grace. Jesus also established the church so we would have support from fellow believers.
Category: encouragement
When You Feel Like Nobody Sees You
Within each one of us is a longing to be seen. It is this very longing that makes social media such a powerful medium. Every post offers a glimpse into our daily life. We can share our favorite foods, our cute pets, our cutting complaints, our magical moments. Better still, we get to control how much we reveal, making our lives look "practically perfect in every way"! Yet does anybody---on social media or in our day-to-day---really see us as we are? Do they see our grueling work (or, at times, embarrassing laziness)? Do they see the tears? The frustrations? The joys? The longings?
God Will Get You Through This
When our valleys last longer than expected, the people we expect to be with us grow fewer and farther between. Take, for instance, the long road of grief. When we lose someone, there is an instant outpouring of support. The refrigerator fills with meals. Phones vibrate with texts. The ads in the mailbox get outnumbered by sympathy cards. The scent of lilies and roses permeates every nook and cranny of our home. Our front door becomes a revolving door as people come and go in order to sit with us, and possibly cry with us. Within a few weeks (or even days), the flow of support slows to a trickle. Life moves on, but the grief does not. And that, my friends, is one of many such valleys. Take heart, God will get you through your valley.
Taking Action Against Sin
People used to say things like, "the devil made me do it," or "I can't help it, I was born this way!" Even in the Garden of Eden, Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent. The facts remain clear: our own desire lures us into sin.
Am I counting God’s gifts as worthless?
Wishing to be someone else or longing for life to be different sounds understandable on the surface---particularly in our culture where self-fulfillment and happiness are counted among the highest goals. However, there is an underlying insidiousness in these longings.
Am I looking at what God has given me as though it isn't good... or isn't good enough?
How Do We Respond to Challenges?
The kids and I are currently reading through Numbers. We've already tackled the first three books of the Pentateuch and they are well-acquainted with the Israelites' litany of complaints since their departure from Egypt. Shaking our heads in disgust at their obvious lack of faith is a knee-jerk reaction. However, if we are looking into God's word like a mirror, we may see some glaring (and disturbing) similarities in ourselves!
When All the News is Bad News
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lordin the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Psalm 27.13-14, ESV I typically try to limit my consumption of "the news" because being prone to depression, it interferes with my ability to… Continue reading When All the News is Bad News
Lessons from Parenting a Child with an Atypical Disorder
Before having children, I knew little about Autism, ADHD, or even how food affects behavior. Children, I have discovered, require us to participate in continuing education. I've attended seminars, poured over books, and worked almost as feverishly as I did during my undergraduate years. One of my children has a disorder that doctors have yet… Continue reading Lessons from Parenting a Child with an Atypical Disorder
Scripture Writing Plan for December: A Joyful Heart
Whether you are reveling in the joys of this season, or (like me) struggle with the limited sunlight and pressures accompanying Christmas, it is my sincere hope that this focus on a joyful heart will uplift you this month. We have the hope of eternal life through Christ Jesus, and that knowledge should sustain us through whatever griefs or delights we endure in this life.
Encouragement for the Discouraged Homeschooler
The kids aren't alright, and neither is mom. Exasperated sighs and groans cover each math lesson. Tear drops glisten across those essay rough drafts. Mom's hair is standing on end and there just isn't enough coffee or chocolate in the world to combat her stress or exhaustion. Welcome to notorious November. Mid-year, many of us… Continue reading Encouragement for the Discouraged Homeschooler
Elihu's Corner 