“Serve the Lord with gladness...” (Psalm 100:2a) It speaks a universal language. Its value is priceless, yet it costs you nothing to give it away. It brightens everything around you. It’s contagious! A smile is one of the most precious gifts you can enjoy, whether you’re the giver or receiver. And, the benefits can be enormous. According to... Continue Reading →
“…and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” 1 Peter 5:4 A winsome missionary lady named Martha Hoke once told me her unique way to strike up a conversation with others while she was on the mission field in Japan. “When I was out in public, maybe... Continue Reading →
“A wise man is strong, yes, a man of knowledge increases strength; for by wise counsel you will wage your own war, and in a multitude of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 24:5-6 Think about all the little luxuries in your life, many you might take for granted. Things like seedless grapes. Indoor plumbing. Seam-free socks. An oven/range. Ready-made clothes.... Continue Reading →
“You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.” Psalm 32:7 Do you find yourself today wishing you could just run and hide? Are you looking for a safe place? My beloved and I just took our first-ever trip to Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks. The views were... Continue Reading →
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 Like tightly-wound springs suddenly released, Americans are on the move—thanks to the COVID vaccines and easing of travel restrictions. Millions are hitting the road and flocking to the skies. Airports are crammed, national parks are overwhelmed, and interstate highways are buzzing—all with pent-up vacationers... Continue Reading →
“Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made.” Genesis 3:1a We have snakes. In our yard. Which is no surprise, in light of the considerable vole population (field mice) sharing the turf and pocking it with lots of little vole holes. Snakes are out there, in the grass and... Continue Reading →
“So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you.” Joel 2:25 They’re ba-a-a-ack! The alien invasion has begun! Brood X of the periodical cicada (Magicicada genus) is here, rising from a 17-year nymph-life underground. And they’re not quiet... Continue Reading →
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 When was the last time you were pleasantly surprised by an unexpected find? I’m not talking about seeing a mouse in your pantry, discovering you picked up the wrong suitcase at the airport... Continue Reading →
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) “Follow your dreams. Pursue your passion.” If you’ve attended a graduation ceremony in the past decade, you’ve heard these words. Eager young adults have absorbed these exhortations and pursued a mishmash of... Continue Reading →
“The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Job 33:4 A bit of personal info about me—I have Addison’s Disease. I was diagnosed three years ago when I went into acute adrenal failure and had to be hospitalized. Fun, fun. You don’t want all the (boring) details, but in a nutshell, my... Continue Reading →
