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 it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. (Eph. 2:8–9)
When I was in the eighth grade, a new basketball coach came to my school. He was young, and the community had high hopes for what he would do for our team. His style of coaching brought out the best in us—and in me. He saw potential in me, and he would often stay after practice to give me extra help. He taught me how to shoot a proper layup and how to develop a rhythm for free throws. Years later, as a senior, that training paid off when I became number eight in the state of Oklahoma for free throw percentage. Continue reading “Try Harder”
“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”
This devotion was originally published in The Heart Community Collection’s quarterly magazine earlier this month. Read all the inspiring and motivating stories here: The Heart Community Collection magazine.
Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. (Ps. 86:1)
In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first proclamation to make February American Heart Month, and for those with congenital heart disease (CHD), American Heart Month provides an opportunity to spread awareness. This year, CHD Awareness week is celebrated from February 7–14.
While I don’t have CHD, I do understand the importance of heart health. After college, I worked for an Area Agency on Aging as a monitor for the senior nutrition program, and several years later, I worked for a local nonprofit to implement nutrition and physical activity programs in cities and towns, schools, and businesses. Through these jobs, I learned about the impact nutrition has on our heart health. Continue reading “The Heart of the Matter”
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Rom. 8:28)
My little Yorkie companion, Lilly, is getting older. She turned twelve last October, and she’s had arthritis for a while and stomach issues even longer. (The stomach issues aren’t age related. She just has a weak stomach.) Recently, she’s been dealing with a recurring skin infection, so the vet prescribed a pill and also a medicated shampoo.
I coated the pills in peanut butter the same way I do with her arthritis and stomach medicines. Almost immediately, she noticed that something was different. She sniffed the peanut butter suspiciously, and after she ate the peanut butter and spit out the pill several times, I switched to wrapping it in cheese. And now, not only am I having difficulty getting her to take the new medication, but she also doesn’t want to take the old ones that have never bothered her before. She licks the peanut butter delicately each time as if to test what kind of craziness might be lurking inside. Continue reading “Taking Our Medicine”