Psalm 23 is a very personal psalm penned by David, who spent many years as a shepherd. It is a reminder of Jesus, our Good Shepherd, who rejoices in the 99 safe sheep, but goes after the one who has wandered off. Sheep are prone to wander and so are we. Some are in green pastures. Some are walking through …
Oversized Load
While I was attending college in Oklahoma my parents lived in Germany and then England. This was in the ’80’s before the airlines cracked down on the weight of suitcases and before suitcases came with sturdy wheels. I inherited a VERY large suitcase that was wonderful for getting an entire summer’s wardrobe across the ocean, but difficult to navigate. On …
Planned or Prepared?
When I was pregnant with my firstborn, my husband and I attended a series of childbirth classes. We took in more information than my husband (or I) probably wanted to know. We learned about putting together a birth plan and about a variety of must needed items that would help in the laboring process. So I packed up a big …
A Mother’s Influence
Moms have influence over their sons. How we choose to wield this influence is powerful. Just this week I read in 2 Chronicles 22:2-3 about a king in Judah by the name of Ahaziah. “Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he became king … he too walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother encouraged him …
A Spirit-Filled Woman
I had the pleasure of speaking at a women’s Bible study last week and I’d love to share a few of my thoughts on what a Spirit-filled woman looks like. I pray you are encouraged today to walk in the fullness of who the Lord has called you to be. He wants to empower you to move beyond what is …
Kellie’s Testimony Through Thyroid Cancer
On January 31, 1997, we welcomed a precious baby girl into our family – Kellie Ann. We were thrilled to have a daughter in addition to our son and I loved being a mom. One of my struggles in life has been fear – especially fear of sickness and death. As a mom, my biggest fear was facing a life-threatening …
Mighty Women Who Rise Up
“Village life in Israel ceased, ceased until I, Deborah, arose, arose a mother in Israel.” Judges 5:7 Deborah was a spiritual leader as well as a political leader at a time when a woman in leadership was rare. In a man’s world, she was a judge who held court under a palm tree – doesn’t that sound like a pretty …
Hard Pressed but Not Crushed
A few years ago my husband and I had the honor of visiting Israel for the first time. One of the most touching times for me was the day we encountered the Garden of Gethsemane. Our guide chose not to give a lot of explanation but encouraged each of us to get alone in the very place where Jesus chose …
In Sickness and In Health
When wedding vows are spoken most couples are healthy and strong and have not walked through the thick and thin places with each other. A few weeks ago the flu hit my husband head-on. Up to that point, I could count on one hand how many sick days he had taken in our 27 plus years of marriage. He ended …
Time Is in His Hands
As I anticipate this year, I am reminded once again that time is a gift to steward. Last year, my family experienced some of our lowest depths ever, some amazing achievements, and lots of sweet and salty moments in between. We may feel like time is in our hands – but the truth is – our times are in the …