It’s almost impossible. People say hurtful things. Ever try not to be defensive? When you’re tired, are you able to not be grumpy? It’s not easy. People can be discourteous or simply ignore you. Sometimes you’re ok, but sometimes it hurts. It can be difficult to take...
God created a lot of fantastic things. Somewhere near the top is your brain. It’s so complex, so fascinating, so… what’s the word? Oh well, I’ll think of it later. I’m sure you would have thought of it! Why? You have an amazing brain! You can figure out math problems,...
Peace. A little peace. Okay, a lot of peace. The world can seem less peaceful every day. There’s a reason for that. It’s why it’s called “the world.” Jesus told us, “In this world you will have trouble.” So, knowing this to be true, we’re no longer surprised by...
If you were a kid in the 60s, 70s, or 80s, TV was huge. It’s where we turned for appointment entertainment and information. Network TV, then cable. It was our daily habit. It used to be so easy. Three channels and UHF. Cable brought hundreds of options. Still,...
Joy and Bri had a mommy-daughter date at their favorite coffee shop. Trying to encourage a little independence, Joy wasn’t holding Bri’s hand and was about four steps ahead of her little one. She glanced back to check on her and she had already run into the...
Ever feel like you’re losing your joy? Here’s where to find it: It’s in your innocence. When we were kids, we were carefree! As we grew up, we got discouraged, disappointed, and less joyful. Our past hurts slowly affected our thinking, making us tired and susceptible...
Every Monday. 3:30 a.m. 85 miles to work. 75 minutes. Nearly all interstate. It’s a sweet ride filled with music, teaching, and/or quiet time. Almost without exception. 4:45 a.m. Old Jacksonville. My exit. And I have no idea it’s whizzing by in the dark at 75...
God is good! And guess what… He loves YOU! Yes, you! He created everything. He knows everything. And He wants to be with you! Amazing, right? Soak it up. Look around. We get excited about a natural phenomenon like a solar eclipse or a beautiful snowfall, and with good...
“I wish it would snow.” How many times have you said that? Clearly, we had no idea what we were asking. We were Israelites and we got boatloads of quail. “How are the roads?” It’s the most often asked question since “Who shot J.R.?” And the answer...
Mom’s hands are full. She’s speed-walking to her airport gate with a ten-year-old, a two-year-old, a stroller, and a backpack. Big girl jumps on the moving sidewalk as the toddler squeals “Me too!” Now big sis is several yards ahead as Mom picks up the baby, and...
“Did you hear what she said?” “He is so self-absorbed.” “I can’t believe what she’s wearing.” We’re very skilled at criticism. It’s our nature. A good way to measure our self-esteem would be to record ourselves and see how frequently we talk about those with whom we...
There was a guy at GM Shreveport in the 80’s who thought it was funny to come up behind me and yell “WHUT’RE YOO DOIN’?” I hated that guy. I know that’s wrong. I now simply recall him with some disdain, knowing God loves him and I should too. Conveniently, I haven’t...
There are a lot of “shoulds” being thrown around. We all want to weigh in on what should have happened. “He should have set an example.” “They should show respect.” “This should never have happened.” If we listen to all the shoulds, it becomes difficult to keep...
Of course you are! (Maybe compared to most?) But the world! A mess! So much hate. So many selfish people. So much hypocrisy! Sure, nobody’s imperfect. But we’re not THAT bad, right? So, can we even live up to our own standards? Sadly, I can’t. We...
Give me a song over a fight. Enough darkness, give me Light. Is there a way to make things right? I’m sure trying with all my might. But left to myself I’m oh such a mess. Inconsistent, maybe? I guess? Too much of me, I must confess. More love for you, for me a...
You may feel alone, unworthy, devastated, or frustrated. Maybe you’re in mourning. You may find yourself in indescribable pain. We all have struggles, but perhaps you feel like you get more than your fair share. Isn’t it comforting to know? Even if you’re not sure the...
I love her all the time, but OH. MY. GOSH. Come November, it’s on. By Thanksgiving weekend we have more lights, poinsettias, mangers, Santas, snowmen, wreaths, tinsel, holly, and ornaments than anywhere south of the Arctic circle. Most people slow down, lay back, and...
Got kids? You know. What a life-changer! Your love levels skyrocketed! Plans changed, schedules changed, you changed! You strive to be the best parent you can be. You’re fighting daily battles of discipline, emotional highs and lows of school/activities,...
It’s been said you’ve either got time or money, but rarely both. You finally get something paid off, then another major expense hits. One season is behind you, then something else comes up. It’s one thing after another. It’s always something and we scramble to...
Ever back your car into a pole and take out a tail light? Ever do it in your WIFE’S CAR? Follow it by “helping” out with breakfast and breaking the knob off the stove. Complete the trifecta by bumping a shelf and knocking off three century-old ornaments, shattering...
It’s been a tumultuous season: COVID, the election, the annual Christmas-music-too-soon debate. Everyone is weighing in. The world runs rife with contention. The temptation is to say “We need to speak up.” No we don’t. These “debates” lure us in. In the...