When Is Our Trauma Incurable?
“Therefore I will wail and howl, I will go stripped and naked; I will make a wailing like the jackals And a mourning like the ostriches, for her wounds are incurable. For it has come to Judah; it has come to the gate of My people— to Jerusalem.” Micah 1:8-9 The prophet Micah mourned the […]
What Are the Great Secrets to Contentment?
In a world that constantly pushes us toward more—more money, more possessions, more success—lasting contentment often feels elusive. Yet the apostle Paul, writing from a Roman prison, wrote that he had discovered the secret: “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I […]
Rest and Recovery: God’s Design for the Long Race
“And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.” Genesis 2:2-3 These […]
When Will We Learn To Just “Go To Nineveh”?
When attending a fundraiser for our local pregnancy resource center, the speaker, Brad Stine, asked the question: “How many times do we need to be vomited onto the beach before we go to Nineveh?” Wow, that thought really hit home! I often find myself resisting God’s call, especially if it does not “make sense” to […]
Releasing The Need to be in Control
Life is full of conflict even in the safest spaces in our lives. It may be the sharp edge of a recent evening at home when the dishwasher debate escalated because one partner loaded it “wrong” again. Perhaps it flared when you shouldered the mental load of scheduling family outings, doctor appointments, and grocery lists, […]
A Prayer For Letting Go and Trusting Through Suffering
A lady recently asked me how she should pray for a difficult family member she is caring for. This family member is not just difficult, but sometimes just downright mean. The situation is painful as health issues are also involved. She felt as if she and her family were being punished. My heart went out […]
Does Social Isolation Really Increase the Risk of Early Death?
I’m continually reminded of how thankful I am for my church community. However, there are times when it’s simply easier to isolate—especially in the evening. Until recently, I had no idea about the profound impact that isolation can have on a person’s well-being. Modern research underscores the serious physical toll of lacking human connection. A […]
Running Beyond Comfort
In a recent story titled “An Austin Marathoner ran an incredible pace—while wearing blue jeans,” the writer noted, “There’s a reason behind the odd wardrobe choice.” Running a marathon is impressive enough—especially in Austin, with its brutal hills. Just finishing is worth celebrating. But one runner completed it well under three hours…in full-length blue jeans. […]
“Who Told You That You Were Naked?”
“Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” And He [God] said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which […]
Don’t Participate In Foolishness
April Fools’ Day often celebrates harmless pranks, but it also reminds us of true foolishness—the kind that leads to eternal peril. Imagine driving on a foggy night and spotting a sign: “Bridge Washed Out Ahead: Turn Around.” Ignoring it would be catastrophic. Who, in their right mind, would press on the gas and speed towards […]