"So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." I Peter 5:6-7 (NLT)"Honey, are you okay?" I held my breath, not knowing if I really wanted to hear the reason for the half-stifled sobs of my son as he lay in the darkness on his bed. I cannot stand to hear my children's hearts … [Read more...] about My Father’s Joy
joy
The Reason For Rain
Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. Joel 2:23 (NIV)It has been raining here almost all day everyday for over a week. I love a rainy day, but days? No! After not seeing the sun and only gray skies, it can really start affecting my mood. We had peeks … [Read more...] about The Reason For Rain
Missing the Comforts of Home
"But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction. 'He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food.'"Job 36:15-16 (NIV)I kept coming in and out of a horrid, sickness-induced dream. I was in seventh grade and had come down with a severe case of … [Read more...] about Missing the Comforts of Home
A Tight-Rope Trust
"You called in distress and I delivered you; I answered you in the secret place of thunder..." Psalm 81:7 (Amplified Bible)I hit my 'tween years just as the 1970s were coming to a close. Cassettes were the newest form of listening to audio recordings, along with the wonderful 8 track box. But before we had a tape recorder, we had a record player. (I have actually had to explain all of these … [Read more...] about A Tight-Rope Trust
The Cost of the Crown
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store 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 longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-9 (NIV)There once was a man who discovered a mine of ancient legend. The riches that were to be found inside of … [Read more...] about The Cost of the Crown
Easter’s Victory Over Misjudgment
"Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."Isaiah 53:3-4 (NIV)What's worse--misjudging someone or being … [Read more...] about Easter’s Victory Over Misjudgment
