Taking Control of My Thoughts

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Prov 27:17)

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about 2 Corinthians 10:5 and how to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” We have an average of thirty-five to forty-eight thoughts per minute – up to as many as 70,000 thoughts per day. How can I possibly control that many thoughts on my own? When left unchecked, my thoughts tend toward the negative. I worry and use negative self-talk until it’s a spiral that I can’t recover from on my own. Continue reading “Taking Control of My Thoughts”

Holding Myself Accountable

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thes 5:11)

Recently, I joined a couple of friends for a writing challenge. We all set our own word count- as long as it was over five thousand words – and we gave ourselves fifteen days. Whoever met her goal first would be declared the winner, and the other two would have to buy her dinner. Continue reading “Holding Myself Accountable”

Forming Deeper Connections

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another…” (1 John 1:7)

People are social creatures, and even the most introverted among us craves human companionship from time to time. We need to connect with each other. We need support and encouragement and love. Continue reading “Forming Deeper Connections”

A Mother’s Influence

“Her children arise and call her blessed…” (Prov 31:28)

With Mother’s Day coming up next weekend, this seems like a good time to acknowledge the women who have influenced me the most in my life. From my mom to her mom to my dad’s mom, these women have provided strong examples of who a Christian woman should be. Continue reading “A Mother’s Influence”

Car Repairs and People Who Care

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ…” Gal 6:2

I put my bag of groceries in the passenger seat and walked around the car. I placed the key in the ignition, turned it, and…nothing. I turned the key off, but it didn’t want to come out. I turned it to the on position again, and still nothing. I took the key out this time, and the radio came on, startling me. On the verge of panic, I took a deep breath and called my dad, who was over 100 miles away. Continue reading “Car Repairs and People Who Care”