Choose Joy 3/3/2021 - September 23, 2009 started out like any other day. My husband left for work, I got one son off to school, and was preparing to take my youngest son to school, where I would be volunteering for the day. Then I received a phone call that would turn my world upside down. My mom had passed away very unexpectedly. Less than 2 weeks later I would receive very similar news. My aunt (who was like another mom to us) was in a fatal car crash. As you can imagine, we were devastated. I’m sure there are plenty of you who can do more than imagine, because you have also received similar, life-altering phone calls. Read more
Less of Me, More of Him 2/24/2021 - In my life I have taken it as a great compliment when someone calls me “Independent”, “Self Reliant,” “Hard Working,” “Capable” and other such labels. It makes me feel that I can do things by myself, and therefore I won’t be dependent on or a burden to anyone else. It also gives me a sense of approval. And I hate to admit how much I crave that. My sense of SELF APPROVAL seems to be so tied into what I’m capable of! Where do those feelings come from? Who knows? Childhood? Learned behavior? Rejection? Honestly, I’m not sure it matters where it comes from. It is false thinking. Self-reliance isn’t what Jesus taught and “look at me and my performance” is DEFINITELY not! Read more
Cucumbers and Capital Punishment 2/17/2021 - “Name something you’ve changed your mind about over the years.” We begin each of our small group meetings with an icebreaker. This was one of my favorites last year. I can’t recall if my answer was cucumbers or capital punishment, but this question really stumped me. Why? Probably because it requires humility. To change one’s mind is, in a way, to admit wrong. I used to think this way, but now I think this other way. I used to believe this; now I believe that. It’s not always a fun declaration, and it’s certainly not easy when you’re discussing a weighty topic. Read more
Joy! 2/10/2021 - The TV is on. I’m mostly ignoring the Super Bowl and peeking over my screen at a commercial periodically. A beer commercial comes on. I’m half-listening. And I look up to see the joy-filled faces of well-known athletes. I’m paying more attention now. And then I hear it. “What if we were wrong this whole time? Wrong in thinking that joy happens only at the end - after the sacrifice, after the commitment, after the win,” the narrator said. “What if joy is the whole game, not just the end game?” Read more
New Intentions 2/3/2021 - With a full month into 2021 it is estimated that 80% of Americans have already abandoned their New Year Resolutions. Lose weight. Save money. Travel more. Work less. Learn a new hobby. Read the entire Bible. I’ve had each one of these resolutions at one or more seasons of my life. Some of them I achieved. 100% of them I did not stick with 365 days in a row, but would just restart on the next Monday! Read more