Looking back, grief should have been obvious, but its face stayed hidden from me as I struggled to forgive my offender. I did not realize that the first step towards forgiveness was to grieve over what had happened. In fact, I didn't realize that I was grieving until I was months into the struggle. Why we often miss grief as the first step in forgiving others: Who willingly signs up … [Read more...] about How To Acknowledge Your Grief First To Forgive Your Offender
perspective
Favorite Quotes from Oswald Chambers
Many of us have read Oswald Chambers book, My Utmost For His Highest. Here are some of my favorite quotes that I go back to for perspective:"Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work." "Have you been asking God what He is going to do? He will never tell you. God does not tell you what He is going to do; He reveals to you Who He is." "It is inbred in us that we have to … [Read more...] about Favorite Quotes from Oswald Chambers
Ditching the Training Wheels
"All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained." Philippians 3:15-16 (NIV)I couldn't remember a time when I was more excited in my eight years of living. I had received my purple bike with its flower covered banana seat and its high-winged handle bars … [Read more...] about Ditching the Training Wheels
Why This Need for Approval?
"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
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…
