He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2)
The summer holiday really begins in earnest Memorial Day weekend. Many people spend the weekend cooking and eating hot dogs and hamburgers, hanging out at the lake, and enjoying the three-day weekend before heading back to work on Tuesday. Still others decide to use this weekend as a springboard to start their summer vacations. Continue reading “Sacrifice”
“For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.” (Ps. 71:5)
Several months ago, my workload increased to the point where I was working upwards of ten to twelve hours a day, seven days a week, consistently for almost four months. While I was excited that my business was doing so well, working those kinds of hours took a toll. I let a number of things slide—things like my blogs and social media posts and my next cozy mystery—things I had worked hard to build but didn’t have time to maintain. I didn’t participate in get togethers with friends because I had deadlines to meet. I stopped reaching out as much. I started reading books and Bible studies that I still haven’t finished. Continue reading “Finding My Way Back to Center”
For the Love
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)
Every February, I write about love. It’s only fitting to cover this subject during the month of love, right? For many years—going as far back as high school—I didn’t like Valentine’s Day. But as the years have passed, I’ve tried to drop my negative outlook look and find positive things about the holiday—namely, that there are many different kinds of love, all of which can and should be celebrated. Chief among them is the agape, unconditional love offered to us by God. And when we look to the source of love, our perspective can change. Continue reading “For the Love”
“I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.” (Ps. 130:5)
Happy New Year!
Do you create New Year’s resolutions, or do you select a word for the year? Or some combination of both? Usually by this time each year, I have my word selected. But I’m starting 2022 without one. I’ve prayed, made lists of potential words, and even taken online quizzes. (Yes, I was starting to feel desperate, and even though I didn’t find my word, I did gain some valuable insight from the way I answered the questions on the quizzes.)
God isn’t completely silent, but he’s definitely not saying anything about what my word should be. Continue reading “2022’s Word for the Year: The Big Question Mark”
“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Ps. 46:10)
Even though I would like for life to slow down at Christmastime, it rarely does. In fact, it usually speeds up. With plays and parties, baking and decorating, Bible studies and special church services, it seems there’s more to do than at any other time of the year.
I don’t know how your Christmas season has been, but my plans for a quiet month of rest and reflection disappeared quickly as I spent long days, nights, and weekends working; dealing with a COVID scare (thankfully, I tested negative, but it canceled several of my activities); and walking beside friends who are going through some really hard things. Continue reading “When Strivings Cease”