Forgiveness

Why You Can’t Keep Delaying Forgiveness

Last spring, we decided to remove the bushes and rocks from our front planter bed and add a better variety of plants. Once the bed was clear of roots and rocks, we laid a strong weed barrier over every inch of dirt. We laid out our plants, cut small holes in the weed barrier, and… Continue reading Why You Can’t Keep Delaying Forgiveness

Christian Living

The Trouble with Comparing Pain.

Over a month ago, I read some comments on a Facebook post discussing the damaging effects of vaccines. As is common with all vaccine-related discussions, the comments were awash with both sides of the debate. There is always someone bashing "anti-vaxxers" as being anti-science/stupid/ignorant/hateful/child-abusers/fill-in-the-blank-with-an-insult. One comment read, "I would rather live with a child that has autism than to have my child die of whooping cough."

Christian Living · encouragement

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)

Christian Living

Why do other people have it so easy?

Marla stood in the doorway, her arms wrapped around herself like a shield, gazing bitterly all the shiny happy people in the building. To her left stood an attractive young blonde in a stunning red dress. Her highlighted hair was neatly curled in the latest style. She looked as though she had just stepped out of the cover of Vogue. Nice dress. She thought. Katy always has nice, new clothes. I'm always rotating the same three or four outfits. Her eyes wandered over to Mike and Jamie, a lovely young married couple surrounded by ladies with their eyes alight, all focused on a little bundle of pink. The ladies were waiting for a chance to hold the pink bundle that was, at the moment, nestled quietly in Jamie's arms. Ah, yes. Whispered the bitter voice in her head, They just had a baby. A healthy baby. No infertility issues there. Perfect husband. Perfect house. Gets to stay at home with her baby and be free from money worries. Finally, her gaze fell upon a smartly dressed woman, her brown hair streaked with gray, but not in an unattractive way. Her brown eyes held a warm serenity and some other indefinable quality. She had squeezed Marla affectionately and gazed with compassion at her, as though she could sense the turmoil roiling within. Marla let out a sigh. Then there's Lena. Always so calm, sweet and peaceful. She never struggles with her faith. She always makes great comments in class. Everyone respects her. Elder's wife. Perfect life. The young woman's eyes darted quickly to the ceiling to hold back the tears threatening to betray her torrential emotions. Everyone had it so easy! Why couldn't she get a break?!

Prayer

Praying for the Elderly – The Effective Prayer 6.19.15

Are the elderly still a critical part of the church? You bet! And they need our prayers and encouragement.

Forgiveness

What are you growing in your garden?

Are you growing the fruits of the Spirit or the weeds of bitterness?