As I reflect on my life, I find myself dwelling on the times when I would receive invitations to join in on special occasions. The overwhelming joy and excitement that filled me upon receiving such invitations was unparalleled. There was a deep longing within me to be included. Rather it was an event, a wedding, or a festive celebration, being invited always reassured me that someone cherished and valued me. In contemplating these invitations, I realized they were not merely about sharing a meal or attending an event. They were expressions of love and a desire to deepen our …
Take Every Step with Jesus
Dating in 2023 can be an extraordinary endeavor requiring a touch of divine grace. It’s a journey filled with time demands and expectations, where the potential for beauty can quickly turn into something dreadful if not approached with wisdom. Reflecting on my own experiences, I recall a time when I tried to handle everything on my own, even my dating life. I kept God at a distance, reserving His involvement for what I considered “big” matters. But in doing so, I neglected His guidance in the day-to-day affairs. In hindsight, I see that my resistance to …
Building Confidence
Have you ever watched a child whose upbringing has been supported and loved, face a challenge? Their past experiences have prepared them that they can do anything if they put their mind to it. Shouldn’t we all act like God’s children? If you truly have a relationship with Christ, you will have the confidence to face anything life launches your way. My hope is in Christ alone. And even though there are days when my self-confidence is fading, I can trust God to build me up. Jeremiah 17:7 – “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose …
Are your dreams greater than your memories?
I heard someone ask this question, and it stirred something inside me. Do I still possess the dreams I had last year? Ten years ago? We’ll always have our memories to reflect on the good times. But our dreams need to be in constant check. Stop day dreaming and give your plans to God. If your dream falls into God’s Will for your life, then consider yourself blessed. God wants good things for us. And our dreams—when authentic and based on a relationship with Him—actually point to the fulfillment of our vocation. The desires of our hearts are often there …
Friendship
Reading: Romans 8:14-17 When we don’t socialize with certain people daily, it’s easy to assume the reason is we have nothing in common with one another. That may not always be the case, especially for those who may be members of our church’s congregation. Sharing our testimonies, doubts, answered prayers, and faith should reveal our commonality in Jesus Christ, regardless of how different we may seem from other Christians. Our Lord and Savior is enough to bring two strangers together with the bonds of friendship, and even closer as Jesus Himself said that whoever does God’s will is His family …
When You Seek Him
In those days when you pray I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. Jeremiah 29:12-13 Over two decades ago my husband, Jay, landed in the hospital due to a severe depressive episode. This storm arrived like a tornado and was the beginning of a troublesome, lonely and often chaotic journey for our family – it was no picnic. While we were raising three young boys the search for effective treatment was exhaustive. Finding support and medical resources would often leave me feeling angry, weary, frightened all while unsure where to turn. I believed …
Apart From the Lord
I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord: apart from you I have no good thing.” Psalm 16:2 (NIV) It has been two weeks since I returned from the mission field, a place where my relationship with God is always heightened and I can honestly say is the center of each day. Several days after returning I realized the busyness of re-entry from the mission field had minimized the amount of time I was spending quietly before God. How I missed the authenticity of that time. David acknowledged the value of being unified with God. Separated from God, David …