Bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. (Isaiah 61:3) Our Heavenly Father approves everything that touches our lives before it occurs. That may be an uncomfortable statement, but it’s the truth. Sunshine and rain, …
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow …
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1) Earlier this year, I wrote about my garden’s blessings, which included thirty-seven tomato plants, grown from seed. I delighted in each phase of their growth – lovingly staking them up as they became taller – taking …
Today is my birthday. While I strive to make such occasions momentous to others, I prefer to keep the day low-key, myself. I tend to do a lot of self-evaluation on this day – remembering where I’ve been in years past, reflecting on those who have come and gone in my life, and contemplating what …
Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10) Every one of us needs to step away, on occasion, to let our everyday work go. We need this time to find solace, gain perspective, and remember that there is much beauty in the world, just waiting for us to rest in it. Such artistry …
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. (John 19:25) Merriam-Webster defines the term “hangry” as “irritable or angry because of hunger.” I’d like to suggest the adoption of a …
Sometimes, our most significant victories are won when we fully surrender – not to our enemies, but to God. Two weeks ago, I was ready to walk out the door of my workplace and never look back. After three days of eleven, thirteen, and twelve-hour days, respectively, I was burned out. With more work than …
I thank my God every time I remember you. (Philippians 1:3) Today is my mother’s birthday. I’d mention what precise birthday this is, but the number has always been an unmentionable part of the remembrance. Since it’s her birthday, I’ll respect that wish and simply say that her years have made her all the more …
See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. (Hebrews 12:15) We spend most of our adult lives in the workplace. Our understanding, intellect, and energy are infused into our jobs. I’ve always believed in the Biblical directive …
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another. (John 13:35) In 1976, my mother, sisters, and I moved from Papillion, Nebraska to Woodlawn, Maryland – a suburb of Baltimore. In many ways, this move changed my life. I was an awkward, pimply-faced sixth grader with little glasses, buck-teeth, …