Taking Our Medicine

“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”

What the Light Revealed

“You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light.” (2 Sam. 22:29)

At this time last year, we were still in the early days of the COVID-19 lockdown. Originally scheduled for three weeks and then extended to six, we believed we would get the virus under control and be back to our normal lives by Easter 2020.

Well, we all know how that turned out. Continue reading “What the Light Revealed”

The Heart: What Makes Us Who We Are

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’” (Mt. 22:37)

In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first proclamation to make February American Heart Month. With the ongoing, global COVID pandemic, paying attention to our heart health carries even more importance since the virus impacts the heart.

One of my first jobs out of college was working for an Area Agency on Aging. I monitored the nutrition program, among other things, and I learned about the importance nutrition has on our heart health. Even before that job, I was interested in taking care of my heart because of the health problems run in my family. All four of my biological grandparents had heart problems, and three of my mom’s five brothers have now passed away from heart attacks. Continue reading “The Heart: What Makes Us Who We Are”

Freedom from Fear

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Gal 5:1)

As we celebrate Independence Day here in the US, I’m reminded of my own journey to independence. A week after I turned eighteen, I attended my first day of college. I longed for independence, but I was afraid of it too—of the responsibility and all the unknowns. Continue reading “Freedom from Fear”

Songs of Deliverance

“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Ps 32:7).

Have you ever had a song running through your mind long after it’s no longer playing? Fun fact: it’s called an earworm.

A few days ago, I took Lilly, my Yorkie companion, for a walk. Rather than listen to a podcast or music, I decided to pay attention to my surroundings and talk to the Lord about the current state of anxiety over coronavirus sweeping the nation. Continue reading “Songs of Deliverance”