"Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, faith looks up." (Ralph Waldo Emerson) Because we live in this fallen world, we will have moments when we look back with sorrow and look around in worry. It's a natural reaction to the heartaches we face. When we first moved to West Texas, everyone was so friendly. Complete… Continue reading Faith Looks Up: Scripture Writing Plan November 2020
Tag: faith
Witnesses to God’s Faithfulness: October 2020 Scripture Writing Plan
This month's scripture writingHebrews 11 is a star witness list. These individuals showed the impact of faith in a God who is Himself faithful. These witnesses weren't perfect people. In fact, the majority made some terrible mistakes in their lives. Their failures did not negate God's faithfulness, but magnified His mercy, faithfulness, and love even more powerfully.
Riding out the Storm
Hail violently pelted my car. Knuckles white and body tensed, I gripped the steering wheel, gently apply pressure to the gas. I expected a window to bust out at any moment. I couldn’t find any place to safely shelter. Cars sat stubbornly beneath the overpasses, leaving anyone stuck behind them with nowhere to go. My… Continue reading Riding out the Storm
Be Prepared
"...in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in… Continue reading Be Prepared
Living Our Faith: Scripture Writing Plan for May 2019
The book of James is like one of those magnification mirrors women use to put on makeup. In those mirrors, all the lines and contours are easier to see. Cringe-worthy pores, wrinkles, blemishes, and unwanted hairs also become more manifest, and we make any modifications within our power to conceal or alter such things. Every single time I read this book, it exposes the oversized pores and blemishes in my life, challenging me to change both my attitude and my actions.
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 God Doesn’t Answer Our Prayers the Way We Think He Should
When our prayers are not answered in the time or method we desire, what is our response? We cry. We agonize. We grow weary, anxious, or even discouraged. We petition God for healing, deliverance, success, provision, but He does not always say, "Yes." How do we react when God says, "No," or "Not yet"? Did… Continue reading When God Doesn’t Answer Our Prayers the Way We Think He Should
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
Dangerous Doubts
The deceitful and cruel nature of humanity molds many of us into skeptics. We have no desire to be duped into evil schemes. Investing, for example, often feels like an exercise riddled with doubts. Experts tell you to hang on to your Mutual Funds for 20 years and they will yield a decent increase. All… Continue reading Dangerous Doubts
Does Fear Affect My Behavior?
We all fear someone or something. If anyone says they are totally fearless, they are either being dishonest with themselves (or you), or ignorant of the truth. Whatever or Whomever we fear impacts the choices we make every single day. If, for example, I drive close to or under the speed limit, it is not… Continue reading Does Fear Affect My Behavior?
