The word “Hope” will be used frequently on this page and in these blogs. Why? We want to encourage people who have experienced despair....

I walked to the back of the church building where that obviously broken gentleman stood. I did not know him but I had learned enough. He was going through a divorce, was missing his children, his job was in flux, and his world was rapidly changing. I do not have any idea why, though now I do believe it was the Holy Spirit, but I felt compelled to assure him that he would be okay. He would not just be okay, but I told him that he would smile again. That he would be happy again

I walked to the back of the church building where that obviously broken gentleman stood. I did not know him but I had learned enough. He was going through a divorce, was missing his children, his job was in flux, and his world was rapidly changing. I do not have any idea why, though now I do believe it was the Holy Spirit, but I felt compelled to assure him that he would be okay. He would not just be okay, but I told him that he would smile again. That he would be happy again

Why do you serve the Lord? I believe that our desire should be to seek the presence of God and glorify His holy name in all things. Would...

Why do you serve the Lord? I believe that our desire should be to seek the presence of God and glorify His holy name in all things. Would...

Memories are wonderful, often bittersweet reflections on past experiences and events. Now, as I am growing older, when I am walking through a significant life experience like Ray’s marriage proposal to me in 2020, our subsequent wedding, and most recently, the twins’ graduations from high school, I try very hard to “hyper focus” on the things I see, smell and mostly feel. I want to be as present as possible because I know that beginning the very next day, these important even

Memories are wonderful, often bittersweet reflections on past experiences and events. Now, as I am growing older, when I am walking through a significant life experience like Ray’s marriage proposal to me in 2020, our subsequent wedding, and most recently, the twins’ graduations from high school, I try very hard to “hyper focus” on the things I see, smell and mostly feel. I want to be as present as possible because I know that beginning the very next day, these important even

My parents used to threaten me with an "attitude adjustment." Have you ever gotten one of those? Have you ever felt like you needed an...

My parents used to threaten me with an "attitude adjustment." Have you ever gotten one of those? Have you ever felt like you needed an...

**This blog was published in the Magnolia Messenger.** www.magnoliamessengermag.com It’s a common joke among older people: “What’s up...

**This blog was published in the Magnolia Messenger.** www.magnoliamessengermag.com It’s a common joke among older people: “What’s up...

Do you ever stop and think about the way you treat others – strangers – out and about in the “real” world? Sometimes the closest a person will come to learning about God’s plan and promise for us for an eternity in heaven is simply the way that you treat them. You might need to read that again. Do we fully appreciate the magnitude of our everyday interactions? You are at the bank. At the grocery store. The nail or hair salon. The doctor’s office. How we treat others whether s

Do you ever stop and think about the way you treat others – strangers – out and about in the “real” world? Sometimes the closest a person will come to learning about God’s plan and promise for us for an eternity in heaven is simply the way that you treat them. You might need to read that again. Do we fully appreciate the magnitude of our everyday interactions? You are at the bank. At the grocery store. The nail or hair salon. The doctor’s office. How we treat others whether s

We are all broken and bruised and imperfect but trying our best every day to keep it all together. Serving our God. Nurturing our marriages. Raising our children. Honoring our parents. Maintaining our friendships. Loving our people. Mending our bodies and resting when possible. Working jobs. Furthering careers. Running households. Managing finances. We.are.busy! And yet, so often, we make it look so easy, don’t we? We work diligently to camouflage our messiness. Many times it

We are all broken and bruised and imperfect but trying our best every day to keep it all together. Serving our God. Nurturing our marriages. Raising our children. Honoring our parents. Maintaining our friendships. Loving our people. Mending our bodies and resting when possible. Working jobs. Furthering careers. Running households. Managing finances. We.are.busy! And yet, so often, we make it look so easy, don’t we? We work diligently to camouflage our messiness. Many times it

Do you judge a book by its cover? I've been guilty before. Time and time again, even though I know its foolish, I have purchased a book...

Do you judge a book by its cover? I've been guilty before. Time and time again, even though I know its foolish, I have purchased a book...

This morning I have been thinking about how life can be so frustrating when events do not unfold how we want or plan for them to. I don’t know about you, but there are times when I seem to just sit in that frustration and disappointment. Is that helpful? Not for me. Is it necessary? Nope. I would even venture to say that it is unhealthy in that it can bring about feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. None of that feels good. And even worse, sometimes we feel like God may

This morning I have been thinking about how life can be so frustrating when events do not unfold how we want or plan for them to. I don’t know about you, but there are times when I seem to just sit in that frustration and disappointment. Is that helpful? Not for me. Is it necessary? Nope. I would even venture to say that it is unhealthy in that it can bring about feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. None of that feels good. And even worse, sometimes we feel like God may

Happy 4th of July! I hope you are planning to enjoy this holiday. I've always loved Independence Day. Grilling hot dogs and burgers...