At 16, I was living on my own. I wasn’t in school, had no job and no prospects. One day, I found myself with no food and only 25 cents in my pocket. I walked to the nearby convenience store and bought myself a popsicle (yes, I am that old), for supper. I had no … Continue reading Tomorrow, and Tomorrow.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 NIV Does something feel stolen from you? You used to feel more confident, capable, and sure in your walk with the Lord, but now uncertainty, fear, and confusion block … Continue reading Thief
Obedience is not a four-letter word. For many of us, however, it has the same connotations as those well-known derogatory ones, and submission is right there with it. I was quiet and obedient, as a child, with a rebellious heart. I followed the rules but inside I chafed and grumbled. Mostly inside. As an adult, … Continue reading Four-letter Words
I was struggling, and sleep eluded me. My mind was whirling with the scenario on repeat in my brain. My insides were in knots, and a heaviness sat on my chest. I felt misunderstood, hurt, and unloved. Sinful thoughts and desires rose up in my heart for self-glory and justification. I knew my thoughts and … Continue reading Perfect Power
Valentine’s day began as the remembrance of the martyrdom of St. Valentine for his faith. Over the centuries, it has morphed into a celebration of love - romantic love. Like Christmas, an entire business has developed around it. Chocolates, flowers, diamonds, etc. and, of course, dinner out. This day has become a big deal for … Continue reading Happy Heart Day
The click-clack of my winter boots on the tile floor echoed off the painted concrete walls. Thrumming filled my ears with every heartbeat, and butterflies had taken up residence in my stomach as I followed the postered and bulletin board-dotted hallway. Thirty-two years old and a mother of three, I had decided to go back … Continue reading Paths
My dear husband is a big fan of the Chicago Bears football team. So for his sixtieth birthday, I decided to surprise him with a weekend in Chicago and tickets to a game in Soldier Field. I was thrilled to find a deal on tickets. I booked a Boutique Hotel and purchased two train tickets … Continue reading Identity Theft
In the well-known movie Galaxy Quest by Paramount Pictures, we frequently hear the spaceship Captain's motto, "never give up, never surrender!". And this is what I want to encourage you to do today. But first I want to tell you a story. The woman sat on a low wall of grey, cold, cement cinder blocks. Snow … Continue reading Never Give Up, Never Surrender
Dying to self is hard!! "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things." Philippians 3:7-8 NIV EVERYTHING a loss! All that … Continue reading Dying to Self
"In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace."Ephesians 1:7 NIV Forgiveness, can it be, that you have truly forgiven me? Unworthy, full of shame. kneeling before you, broken, in pain. Repentance, in my soul, knowing I've fallen away from you. Desiring, in my … Continue reading Forgiveness