September, 2015

• 23 September

  Our Hope: Discovery

  

  This is about me today.  Yes, me.  I am sorry, it is not the normal Our Hope you are used to seeing.  But my hope, no, my need, is for you to understand how mighty our God really and truly is.  How awesome a Savior we serve.  How very small and ...

  Read More »
• 23 September

  Our Tears Are Precious To God

  

  Are there any collectors out there? Let’s face it, most of us like to collect something. For some, it is stamps, coins, thimbles or comic books. For others, it is angel figurines, stuffed animals or cow knick-knacks. Some people even collect things without realizing they’re collecting them—things like clothes, books ...

  Read More »
• 23 September

  12 Practical Ways to Encourage Others

  

  Everyone goes through difficult times, and most people appreciate encouragement when they are going through hard times. Merriam-Webster’s definition of encouragement: to make someone more hopeful, determined and confident. To inspire with courage, spirit, or hope. You may never know how your words can lift someone out of despair or ...

  Read More »
• 22 September

  Spice: A Deadly Flavor to Avoid

  

  The term “man-made” has taken a turn for the worst. Men are not only making useful items such as cars and toasters anymore, but they are taking drug-making to a deadly level. Synthetic drugs are becoming the new norm, but it’s actually doing more harm than good—especially one known as ...

  Read More »
• 22 September

  When You Want to Throw Your Hands Up

  

  Traffic that won’t budge when you’re already running late. A co-worker that is rude and demanding when you haven’t yet had your coffee. A computer that keeps crashing when the report was due yesterday. Think for a minute about the many things that we experience on any given day that ...

  Read More »
• 22 September

  Basking in God’s Goodness

  

  As I sit outside this morning feeling the crisp fall air, I am reminded to bask in God’s goodness. Last week like so many other weeks was hectic, and I rarely stopped to just enjoy God’s blessings. Earlier on my jog today I noticed the stunning sun rising and a ...

  Read More »
• 22 September

  Gift: That Which You Presently Have To Give Away

  

  Our guest speaker, the Rev. Jimmie Bratcher, shared a moving story today at church that blessed my heart.  It focused on “giving your gift.”  His message was based on Proverbs 18:16 and offered the original definition of “gift”: that which you presently have to give away. I share the story ...

  Read More »
• 22 September

  What Does Godly, Good Fruit Look Like?

  

  Jesus made it very clear that a tree is known by its fruit. He says in Matthew chapter 7:  “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.”  Now He was specifically speaking of false prophets in this passage. However, it is also true ...

  Read More »
• 21 September

  Making Moments Matter: Investing Time With Your Kids Part 2

  

  In yesterday’s article, I brought up the topic of quality time and how the culture we live in seems to distract and justify the limited amount of quality time we spend with our kiddos. Before I continue with the additional distractions I faced, I want to clarify the difference between ...

  Read More »
• 21 September

  Francine Rivers Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

  

  She has captured the hearts and minds of readers for decades. Francine Rivers, the author of more than 20 Christian fiction novels, received the Lifetime Achievement Award on September 19 at the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) Awards Gala. “Few people have had the kind of impact that Francine Rivers ...

  Read More »