As our car pulled out of the church parking lot on Sunday, all five of us spotted a cloud of smoke billowing on the distant horizon. My oldest daughter’s voice rose in panic from the backseat. “Do you think our house is on fire?!” My husband, in his calm reassuring manner, replied, “No, honey, it’s… Continue reading If You Worry About It, You Can Pray About It
Category: encouragement
If You’re Doubting God’s Plan
Elijah sat in a dark cave brooding over the current state of affairs in Israel. He had rejoiced as he watched God's power thunder from heaven onto Mount Carmel, validating the Almighty’s supremacy over man-made Baal. The long-awaited revival of Israel seemed imminent. But that woman... The word of one wicked woman toppled Elijah from… Continue reading If You’re Doubting God’s Plan
The Need for Quiet in a Noisy World
There is something utterly precious about quiet. Having grown up in the city and lived in cities for most of my life, there is always noise of some kind---traffic, sirens, dogs, trains, loud music, and the far off roar of airplane engines. Even in the mountains and forests, noise is everywhere---the noise of the wind in… Continue reading The Need for Quiet in a Noisy World
Do you know how to love others well?
How often do I get so bogged down in my own struggle that I fail to really notice the struggle of the people next to me? I may glance their direction and see them in a moment of triumph only to miss the next moment when they fall flat. We have a tendency to walk as though in a tunnel, not seeing the wider world around us. We focus only on who or what is in front of us (usually through the small screens of our phones) while running the risk of ignoring—or even injuring—the souls beside us.
Oh rats! I can’t keep making excuses?!
Rats aren't really my thing. People may enjoy having them as pets, but after having trapped one in the garage of our first house and found a half-eaten one on the back porch of the aforementioned house... well, let's just say I've had enough of rats. C.S. Lewis, however, uses them in an effective illustration… Continue reading Oh rats! I can’t keep making excuses?!
Making Excuses or Taking Action?
This is part 2 of the Series "Why are You Making Excuses?" To read the previous post, click here. As I read the news and sift through messages of entitlement and blame-shifting, I fall into the trap of thinking this is some new problem. Reading historical narratives reveals there really is nothing new under the… Continue reading Making Excuses or Taking Action?
For those who are struggling with fear
According to the popular YouVersion Bible App, “the bible verse that was shared, bookmarked, and highlighted most often by the global Bible App community in 2017” was Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you… Continue reading For those who are struggling with fear
The One Thing You Need to Do Before You Set New Year’s Resolutions
Note from Elihu: I'm sure many of you have already made your goals, but if you're like me, the goals get re-evaluated frequently. This post applies to any time we make plans or goals or even dream dreams. I hope your year is off to a lovely start! May God bless you with grace and… Continue reading The One Thing You Need to Do Before You Set New Year’s Resolutions
Welcome to 2018.
On this New Year’s Day, we begin a new trip around the sun, full of expectations, hopes, and goals. Is one of your goals to draw nearer to God? He longs for each of us to know Him more, to trust Him more, to love Him more. Success comes from joining our small efforts with His great will. It comes as we study His word daily, call on Him daily (sometimes hourly!) and trust Him even when nothing makes sense.
Are you having a “FroMoJah” day?
"FroMoJah" is not a new frappuccino. "Hi, yes, I'll have a grande FroMoJah frappuccino please---extra whip." It isn't some sort of hashtagy NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) Challenge. #FroMoJah2018 "FroMoJah" is a day or a moment when everything is so overwhelming you just want to sink to the ground and throw in the towel like… Continue reading Are you having a “FroMoJah” day?
