“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 In the midst of great pain and anguish, life can be quite difficult. Pressures from others, from day-to-day existence and challenges within us can squeeze the life out of us and steal our joy. But, the peace and love of God is more powerful than any life event and …
Category: Encouragement
Walking up the stairs one day after my first chemotherapy treatment, I had a bounce in my step that I’d not had in several days. I felt better than good; I felt really good. I had gotten really tired around noon that day and regained my strength late afternoon. In that moment of realizing the state of my health, I became overwhelmingly focused on gratitude and all the things I’ve been given from the Lord. A beautiful home and loving …
I am finding that I tend to be ok with the big challenges of life, but that I often hold onto the small day-to-day challenges – little pains, dealing with the healthcare bureaucracy, being tired, etc. I keep these things to myself and don’t give them to God as I want to. I need to pray about why this is so. I know Matthew 10:28 “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall …
At Easter we celebrate the beauty and life resulting from Jesus’ painful work on the Cross. He endured tremendous agony to carry the sin burden of us all, yet on the other side is abiding love and wonder. We get to experience a fullness of life that simply cannot be replaced by any work of man, no matter how great. Here at Easter, I pray that you yield your very life to Him so that you can experience the utter …
A Life with Friends I am very fortunate to be rich in friends, close friends….my wife and family of course, my business partner, small group brothers and others who have come into my life. Because we are true friends, they can tell me when they think I’m wrong or they can correct some error in my thinking, but even more important that that, their main concern is to move me closer to God, where He can address any issue or …
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 My daughter and I went to Texas recently to visit my sweet sister who is valiantly and gracefully dealing with cancer. Because her immune system is weak, the doctor suggested she and her husband move to a more secluded place away from the college campus of Baylor. So, they are now living with dear, sweet, loving friends they have known since the mid-1980s. …
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 I have often wondered why more people don’t do all sort of really bad things to get what they want. Why isn’t the crime rate much, much higher? There are certainly people down on their luck who could justify any numbers of crimes to get what they …
Despite our past failings and mistakes we can still experience beauty, goodness and joy. About 10 years ago, we planted new trees and shrubs in our backyard. As a centerpiece we planted this Japanese maple where we could see it outside our patio windows. We knew its color would be awesome, not to mention its beautiful shape. When the tree was still small I noticed it leaned to the right. I tried to correct it by pulling it …
As a parent, you love your child or children in a way that is nearly impossible to explain. Even the love we have for family pets is hard to fathom and put into words. There’s a feeling we simply can’t explain fully…it’s a deep abiding connection to a person or beloved animal combined with our intense care and love for them. What do you feel for your child, friend or family pet as you read these phrases? I love you deeply …
Separated…but loved In a still and darkened room Grandma waits in thin draped gown Her family waits across the town Laughing gone, now only frowns Concerns have come so near to roost Fear and angst they do seduce. No way to love or reach outside I only wish that I could hide In her room, there by her side Oh Grandma Jane, a joyful soul Without her here, there is a hole Within my heart I cannot fix I pray …