13
Apr '19
Perfect (Verb) Love
13
Apr '19
We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love.
God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face Him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.
Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of Read more…
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13
Apr '19
Needing Others
13
Apr '19
Going through life thinking we can do things on our own without help from others is never a good good choice to make. We definitely need people in our lives to help guide us, teach us, strengthen us, and love us. Having people that we can count on to shine a light in our lives and let us know that we matter is good medicine for the heart. Having a circle of friends, whether it’s family or not, that you can lean on just helps your life run smoother. Sometimes we just need someone to talk to, someone who will listen and lead us in the right direction. Read more…
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06
Apr '19
Emotional Energy
06
Apr '19
Have you ever been so mentally exhausted that you just didn’t have the emotional energy to be around people, places or things? Just so much going on in life, you just didn’t need ONE MORE THING? I’m not talking about diagnosed depression or anxiety (that’s something entirely different), but just the emotional energy that can get sucked right out of you from time to time.
Recently, a friend that I normally hear from every day kind of dropped off the face of the earth. After a couple of days, I became a little concerned. I had been busy and figured the same for them, but reached out to make sure. Their response – “Hey, been dealing with real Read more…
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06
Apr '19
Here Comes the Sun
06
Apr '19
“Here Comes The Sun” is an old “Beatles” song. It was part of the graduation video that was made for my daughter when she got out high school. The song is to remind us to let the sun rise everyday in our hearts. So whenever I have the opportunity to hear that song, I think of her. God gives us a brand new opportunity each day to let the sun shine in our hearts. Read more…
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30
Mar '19
Distractions and Diversions
30
Mar '19
Have you ever had a non-Godly distraction in life that was counter-acted by a literal diversion from God? I experienced something earlier this year that once the smoke cleared, I could undoubtedly see God’s hand at work.
Earlier this year when I began dating again, two new guys unexpectedly entered my life nearly at the same time, but the first guy (in my opinion, when looking back) was definitely a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He was a really nice guy, but the more I got to know of him, the more I realized he was not acting in any way, shape or form like the Christian he professed to be. Maybe he WAS a Christian, I just didn’t see the fruits of his Christianity and his actions were not something that screamed “Christian”, but admittedly I found myself intrigued by his charm. I gave him the benefit of the doubt, but as I did, I found myself getting sucked into the shiny newness, but I could feel and hear God giving me a clear “Red Flag” warning – almost like a finger snap in my ear – to beware. (I must add – it wasn’t a beware as in “safety” for me, it was a beware as Read more…
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30
Mar '19
Stand Up
30
Mar '19
Each day that God allows us to have is another day full of different challenges. Our days are consumed by “to do” lists. Whether we work outside of the home, parents at home raising children, or someone that is retired, we all have schedules to keep.
Throughout our busy schedules we come into contact with so many different beliefs and attitudes. We’re supposed to stand strong for what we believe in. As a Christian I stand up for Read more…
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30
Mar '19
Relationship over Rituals
30
Mar '19
Stop bringing Me your meaningless gifts; the incense of your offerings disgusts Me! As for your celebrations of the new moon and the Sabbath and your special days for fasting— they are all sinful and false. I want no more of your pious meetings. Isaiah 1:13
My daughter came to me the other day, and said, “Dad, you know I love you.” You would think that after 13 years, she would know that I’m keenly aware something else comes after that. However, with each passing year she gets a little more adept at saying it. It’s gotten to the point that to the outsider, they would say, “Awe! That is so adorable! You have an amazing daughter!” To be honest, she is just that; an amazing and growing young lady. Read more…
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23
Mar '19
Laughter
23
Mar '19
It feels so good to laugh sometimes. Things can get tiresome and hectic through the week and we all need to take a break and find something that makes us smile and laugh. Whether it’s going to see a funny movie (which I just did a couple of days ago), laughing at a funny, but wholesome joke, or sharing good times and laughing with friends and family. Laughing and having fun is healthy and good for the soul. Proverbs 17:22- “A joyful heart is good medicine.”
Laughing helps us to cope with all kinds of struggles. We all experience bad days. Having someone around us to lighten our mood and make us feel better is a good thing. God gave us Read more…
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23
Mar '19
What God Left Out
23
Mar '19
Sometimes we can get so frustrated when we try to do new (or old!) things and it just doesn’t work out for us. I’ve tried skiing – quite a few times – it just doesn’t work out for me. Sure, could I try harder? I suppose I could, but the fear of going down that steep hill just terrifies me too much. How would I ever get over that initial fear so I could eventually go down that big scary hill again? Good question. I don’t know. I’ve done it, and it was terrifying for me. If you have a suggestion, I’m all ears. Until then, unless something miraculous happens, it’s the bunny hill for this girl.
But maybe God just left out “skiing” for Dena. Maybe God thought, “No.. Skiing isn’t going to be your thing, but _________ is”. Is it possible that Read more…
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23
Mar '19
He Knows
23
Mar '19
God will give to each person according to what he has done. To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, He will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. Romans 2:6-8
Around this time of year, many organizations spend time talking about raises and bonuses. A lot of people focus on what they have, and are grateful for what they are to receive. However, some are frustrated over the promotion they were passed over, or the increase that was not Read more…
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