Leave Your Cares Behind

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Phil 4:6)

I watch the birds flit through the air in my backyard. There’s a cardinal in the tree. Its red feathers stand out among the branches and leaves of the tree. Some believe that cardinals represent the spirits of those who have passed. Maybe one of my grandparents or my uncle has come to visit. Others believe that a cardinal sighting for a single person is a good sign – it may be a sign of a future romantic encounter. I like the idea of that one, too. Continue reading “Leave Your Cares Behind”

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”

Time to Rest and Recharge

“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’” (Mk 6:31)

On a recent drive home from visiting my parents, I thought of around five blog post ideas in the span of an hour and half. Because I couldn’t write them down, I dictated them into my phone to transcribe later. Once one idea formed, the rest flowed quickly – so quickly, I felt I almost couldn’t keep up. Continue reading “Time to Rest and Recharge”

The Hope of Easter

 

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” (Mt 28:6)

Each year, I shop for a new Easter dress, knowing that the weather will probably be too cold to wear it without a sweater, especially if the dress is sleeveless. It seems we almost always have one last cold snap here in Oklahoma over Easter weekend. But I enjoy wearing dresses, and Easter provides the perfect opportunity to buy a new one as new, fresh styles become available for the spring and summer seasons. Continue reading “The Hope of Easter”

Finding Balance

 

“She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made…” (Luke 10:39-40)

I often get so distracted by the busyness of work and meeting all the obligations I’ve signed up for – things like volunteering at church, for Bible study, for my state writing association, and for a local senior center – that I lose focus of the important things in my life – namely, the people. Continue reading “Finding Balance”