I heard a pastor proclaim recently that Jesus created the heavens and the earth. Have you ever heard an on-the-air ministry or denominational pastor pronounce something that you questioned? If so, did you dig into the scriptures to see if it's there on the page ’in the book’? A few things caught my attention recently and I thought I would share them with you. Here’s what I read in the scripture regarding creation: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1, NAS) “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and b ..read more

I walked around the bend in the road on this beautiful golden autumn morning and glanced up at the lilac that had put out its sweet beautiful scent in the Spring. To my astonishment, there about 15 feet above me at the top of the bush, lilacs were in bloom. Lavender flowers against the deep blue sky set in front of scarlet, golden maples. They were so out of place, I stopped and studied them. Why were they blooming now? Every season has its scent. Spring is filled with sweet Honeysuckle, intense Lily of the Valley, and delightful Lilac. Here in the autumn, the earthy fragrances of golden, scar ..read more

She said she couldn’t bring herself to touch Blessing (healing, deliverance, etc.). If she got past her discouragement and reached out to touch the warm down of encouragement, she pulled her hand back at the last second, looked down and walked away. I’ve read of or conversed with many women who feel this way. The feeling there is something inherently wrong with THEM. While everyone else is cruising along in this life with their act together, for some, there is always trepidation going into a situation. Their miniscule confidence slips away as the ugly head of shame, discouragement or inferiori ..read more

I like to dive in and get things done and if others hesitate, I’m pushing forward thinking of what needs to be done next and start doing it. There have been times when I feel like I’m bushwhacking my way along my path. Swinging my machete, hands dirty, shoes muddy, scratches everywhere from all the brush I’m forcing myself through, then I sit down utterly exhausted and frustrated as perspiration trickles down my forehead and ask the Lord, “Why is it so difficult?” It’s about then the LORD probably shakes His head and whispers, “You are stubborn.” I ask forgiveness, stand up with a cleansed he ..read more

The media brings news of war and upheaval; of people fleeing, being injured, dying. The world seems to be crumbling and out of control, but don't lose hope, we are the beacon of light and a tower of peace in this chaotic world. In placing our hand in the hand of the One who is the Life Giver, our Heavenly Father, we trust our life into His capable care and protection, through His Son, Jesus Messiah. "Is there any God besides Me?" (Isaiah 44:8 NAS) Join with me in prayer for those who are oppressed, alone, in a place of need; in extreme danger, that they may see an open door, their path made st ..read more

My friend recently told me after watching the news of people fleeing in fear and desperation for their lives, was left depressed and dejected because she felt there was nothing she could do to help those people. One woman a half a world away can’t do anything to help people living in desperate situations in another country--or can she? A couple I know were in that country for 20 years, teaching school and developing relationships with the local population giving encouragement and hope. She would write how the Lord was moving in the hearts of the people and changing lives. They recently return ..read more

Summer is winding down. Some of the flowers in my yard are drying up already and the mums are getting ready to burst forth in beautiful color. Did you do the things you set out to do at the beginning of this season? Were you able to accomplish the goals that you dreamed of? In those slow moments and in between sips of morning coffee, we can think of the list of things we want to do, but then there is the actual doing that involves time, energy, materials, money perhaps and then months go by and we're suddenly looking back saying where did the time go? I started a schedule of: morning alarm, dr ..read more

I sat down to have a cup of coffee and a piece of toasted grain bread when I heard the buzz-- not breaking news, but a little fly on the window next to the table. He’d followed me from room to room and now was looking through the window to the big world outside wishing he were there. I slid open the window leaving a 5 inch opening at the bottom for this little guy to escape. I did this several times and each time he would crash around the glass from the top to the bottom, but never far enough to take the path of freedom. I’ve been a lot like that little fly. Looking at the big window of scrip ..read more

She came back from their ministry in a foreign land. Back to her roots, extended family, familiarity, after giving their lives to ministering in another country. She came back to rest, recuperate and probably for the first time in her life, to BE ministered to. They requested prayer. And we responded. Lifting her up, wrapping her in verse; holding her in our thoughts. While others start off their lives building their career in an organization, she and her husband went into ministry. While others thought about buying a home to accommodate their growing family, they poured their resources into t ..read more

Today was a beautiful, early spring day full of sunshine inviting me to take an enjoyable walk in the park; however, it sent shivers up and down the daffodils in the 37 degree morning temperature. As the day winds down on this rare, peaceful scene, ominous, dark clouds gather in the western sky. They foreshadow snowflakes falling tonight even as the buds continue to open in spring’s expected ups and downs. The culture is having its own version of Spring instability. The media outlets daily bring news leaving one feeling, “Is there any good left in the world?” You can’t avoid what is happening ..read more