“Mom, I found a hummingbird on the floor of the garage, and I think it’s hurt,” my daughter Sarah said. I scurried out the back door and down the steps as Sarah crouched over the tiny bird. Its legs were all tangled up in some sort of string or webbing, and its chest was heaving […]
Tag Archives | victory
Inside the Furnace
Do you see how well she is teaching these girls? She is so clever and relatable. You are not. These girls are going to be so bored when you teach! The ugly voice snarled inside my mind and caught me by surprise. I was getting ready to teach the last of three Bible Study sessions […]
Taking Thoughts Captive
The minute I saw Patrick’s face, I knew something was wrong. “Mom, can I talk with you for a minute?” he said. “Sure. How was your day?” I said. “Terrible,” he said. “I blew the interview. I am never going to get the virtual hire!” Patrick has been attending an 18-week computer programming immersion program. […]
When Things Don’t Make Sense
Two months ago, I wrote about my dear friend and prayer partner Phyllis, who died unexpectedly (possibly from a brain aneurysm). A few days ago, her sister Suzanne went home to be with Jesus after a 3-year battle with cancer. The sisters were 58 and 46, respectively. Their mother Patsy lost her two daughters in […]
Just Say No!
I’m going to be honest. I don’t like to exercise. But even though I don’t enjoy doing it most of the time, I know it’s necessary and helpful to my physical health. The same holds true on a spiritual level. We are called to “exercise” for our spiritual well-being, and when we do, we are […]
Look Up!
I watched the mother and father at the nearby restaurant table actively attending to their four young children. Nostalgia hit me as I remembered our family doing the same so many years ago. The 8-year-old was busily eating his hamburger. The two-year-old twins were snuggled on the lap of their mother, who was encouraging them […]
Hold On!
My dear friend and prayer partner Phyllis died suddenly and unexpectedly a few weeks ago. From her symptoms, it seems she might have had a brain aneurysm. From God’s perspective, it was time for her to come home and be with Him. I’m happy for my precious friend, but I am deeply sad at the […]
Fighting Our Battles
Sometimes I just feel overwhelmed . . . with my responsibilities, with my personal struggles, with the heartache in the world and the difficulties faced by others. It is in those moments that the Lord gently reminds me that I was never meant to face my battles alone . . . that He is there […]
Jesus Wins!
The devil sauntered in front of the rock-hewn tomb and snarled, “I got Him, and now I’m going to get all of you!” My daughter Katie looked at me in horror. This scene took place 24 years ago as we attended a Passion Play in Charlotte. Katie was 5 years old at the time. “Wait. […]
Responding to the ‘Bump-ups’ in Life
Last week, I was backing out of a parking space at a local mall when . . . wham! I felt the impact of hitting another parked car. My heart started racing as I realized I had misjudged the distance and had hit another vehicle. I pulled my van into another parking space and jotted […]