“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: Troubles
I knew one day during this cancer journey, that at some point, I’d likely be curled up in a ball of pain. It happened a few weeks ago after a shot of Neupogen, a medicine to spur my white blood cell count. It brought about excruciating pain in my joints and bones. In the middle of that pain, I realized I have a choice. Stay inward, focused on the pain and my needs – or direct my eyes to the …
A friend of mine recently shared that she had made a choice to stop “cursing the crisis”. In her case, the crisis was Covid’s many frustrations. While not diminishing the reality of the pain it has caused, I think she was speaking to her attitude about the crisis. I resonated with her comment as I too had been cursing the crisis. So what do we do? Do I curse the situation and complain, knowing that I have little to no …
For anyone who has been in some pain or grief, this poem is for you. I pray it reminds you that the darkness can bring about the unity and purity of your heart with God’s. I have seldom reached the bottomless pit or “dark night of the soul”, but pray that if you are in that place, you will know of His grand love and care, even in the midst of your doubt, hurt, pain or grief. I pray you …
A dear friend who I grew up with had a major stroke a few days ago. He's in ICU and recovering slowly. Yet, in the midst of their family's pain, I hear a calm, thankful confidence in their Facebook posts. By what means does this concerned yet rejoicing tone exist? - In our broken world, we all suffer pain and loss....some small, some big. Relationships will be broken, food will be scarce, friends will have strokes, bank …
Nature sometimes shouts about God. While enjoying this lake at a retreat recently, I noticed something quite simple and wonderful. When the water was calm, the surface nearly perfectly reflected the beauty of the shoreline. If the shoreline represents God, we want to reflect Him, just as this water reflects the trees. When our souls are at peace, filled with His joy, the life of Christ comes through us so clearly. So all of us who have had that …
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. – James 1:12 (ESV) ~~~ At most equestrian events, you ride your well-trained horse as fast and as well as you can. You give it your best to earn the blue ribbon. But at certain collegiate equestrian events, the rules are quite different. Rather than riding your own horse, you …
Sometimes it seems our world is only filled with wars, civil unrest, beheadings, evil rampages and moral decline. It must pain God to see how we treat each other….in both unspoken ways (like prejudice) and in more outward ways like murder and the bombing of innocents. Isaiah 60:2 (ESV) says: For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. Like you, I am …
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. – 2 Timothy 4: 6-8 (ESV) My …
I have a confession to make. I’ve always been the kind of person that acts first and reads directions later. I like to think I’m doing better in this area as I get older but, if I’m honest, I still prefer speed and action over slower, thoughtful effort. As you may know, sometimes doing things this way has negative repercussions. Earlier this spring, when weeds nearly covered our front yard, I decided to go to Lowes to get what I needed – weed …