I spent the morning digging shrubs out of my front beds. Shrubs that only barely survived the colder-than-usual winter we had this year. Why didn’t these shrubs make it through our winter this year, while others did? In fact, I’ve been surprised this spring to see most of our plants came back strong. When we […]

6 years ago, on Mother’s Day, I walked out of a hospital with my newborn daughter in my arms. What a joy to become a mother on Mother’s Day! For as much as I’ve learned about parenting since then, my daughter has taught me just as much about life. Tomorrow my baby girl turns 6. Everyone […]

Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns […]

A daily prayer for wisdom. Pray to seek God’s wisdom in all things, following his path and his instruction in all that you do. Father Almighty, teach me your ways, lead me to your wisdom and understanding. Help me to seek wisdom and wise choices in all that I do. Show me the straight paths, […]

When we begin to drown, we can allow ourselves to be pulled under or we can cry out for help. Not that we necessarily choose to go all the way under, but sometimes not calling for help, thinking we can pull ourselves out on our own, produces the same result. It’s hard to ask for […]

Come, O Holy Spirit, come!  Give us open hearts to hear Your counsel.  Give us boldness to obey.  Use us to do Your work and spread Your love.  Help us trust that we only need to OBEY and You will show us the way.  Our job isn’t to worry or fret over outcomes, but simply […]

Are you tired and worn out this holiday season? Feeling weary? Longing for fresh energy and a revival of your spirit? Try shifting your focus so God can revive your spirit. Ask someone, “How can I pray for you?” Then, sit with God and pray for that person, really pray. Open your Bible and pray God’s […]

Out of the mouths of babes… I’ve found when I open my ears and my heart, I can learn so much from these little ones who speak with such honesty and innocence. To help me remember these lessons (and be more aware to recognize them), I’m starting a periodic series: Lessons from the Littles. Hope […]

Does your dream have a name? Have you given words and definition to your dream and then spoken them aloud to someone else? Sometimes our dreams are so precious and fragile as they’re forming in our hearts we can’t bear to put words to them for fear that simple act will cause the bubble to […]

In his final night with the disciplines, Jesus taught some of his most important lessons. Though they’d been by his side for several years, he wanted to make sure these final messages of the importance of community, fellowship, and service hit home.  Jesus hosted a Passover dinner for the disciples. He didn’t have a place […]

If you drew a picture depicting your life today, what would it be? Imagine a blank sheet of paper laying before you with a box of markers next to it. (Go ahead and grab your supplies now and take a minute to do this exercise.) Draw a picture representing the state of your soul, something […]

As our small group meeting was ending, the leader asked if anyone would close us in prayer. Instinctively, I buried my head in my Bible, trying not to make eye contact, hoping desperately one of the “good pray-ers” would volunteer. You know, the ones who always sound so eloquent and seem to have the perfect […]

Begin your week with this Monday prayer for the week. Use this prayer once each week or pray it each day. Be sure to check back each Monday for a new prayer for the week. For Thine is the Kingdom: Prayer of Praise to God Praying through the Lord’s Prayer: Doxology and Prayer of Praise […]

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