"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."Galatians 1:10 (NIV)So I am going to tell on myself here. It is after midnight. I was just about to lie down to drift off into la-la land when I suddenly realized that my dishes downstairs were not done and the kitchen looked like it had … [Read more...] about Why This Need for Approval?
Can’t Have One Without the Other
"For you have been granted [the privilege] for Christ's sake not only to believe in (adhere to, rely on, and trust in) Him, but also to suffer in His behalf." Philippians 1:29 (Amplified Bible) If I had it my way, I would never allow suffering of any kind to be part of my life. I love comfort. I love happiness. I love laughter. I dread winter's cold and ice. I dread good-byes. I dread conflict in … [Read more...] about Can’t Have One Without the Other
Simply Irresistible
"You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great."Psalm 18:35 (NIV)"Dad, I don't know what I am going to do. Can you help me?" I sobbed into the phone.My father has never been able to resist my tears, especially when I have expressed my need for him to help me. I have always known that it doesn't matter what time of the day or … [Read more...] about Simply Irresistible
If Only…
"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you."2 Thessalonians 3:16A year ago last spring, the Lord started speaking to me about teaching my daughter's Sunday school class. It was a thought that I hoped would leave without requiring me to act on the thought. The thought of leaving my own adult class to teach ten and eleven-year-old … [Read more...] about If Only…
A Matter of Trust
"Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"John 11:40I am coming to recognize a sinister plot that I have been prey to. I have heard of others caught in its web, too, but I foolishly thought I was immune to it. In fact, I read about other victims nearly everyday who have found themselves a part of this diabolical scheme and have shaken my head, … [Read more...] about A Matter of Trust
A Spiritual Lesson From My Obsession With Basil
"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him." 2 Corinthians 2:14I have become obsessed with basil. I credit its intense aroma and flavor for rejuvenating my lackluster interest in cooking. I am even thinking of growing the plant myself. You would not understand how amazing that thought is until … [Read more...] about A Spiritual Lesson From My Obsession With Basil
