A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In…
Category: 2007
Just Before Midnight
She flipped on her side in the bed for the zillionth time, or so it seemed. A tap at the top of her alarm clock made the digits 11:47 glow. “I need to be asleep! How will I have the patience for fifteen four-year-olds if I get only six hours of sleep? I have to…
To Save the Lost
Megan scrolled down the list of contacts in her cell phone and paused at Carla’s name. Doubts flitted through her mind as her finger hovered over the call button. Should I? “I’m only here in Denver for two more days,” she reminded herself. “I came home for Christmas to be with family. I probably don’t have…
A Word of Encouragement
It’s that special time of year, and a thoughtful friend asked me about my plans for Christmas. My husband is with the Lord and I must confess that I miss him more than words can express. However, I am reminded that a believer can be content in every situation because of the promise given in…
The Other Side
When I rose from my knees, having drunk deeply from Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21, I was in awe – that I “might be filled with all the fullness of God.” Since I am so limited in my scope, such a thought surpasses my wildest expectations of what God has for me in Christ. As a…
They Called Her “Mom”
Everyone called her “Mom Steel,” though the only ones in our group who could really claim to be her descendants were Matt, Shannah, Ruth, and John Mark. The rest of us were college kids excited to have a home-cooked meal and a place to fellowship on Sunday nights. Mrs. Steel’s motto was “All are welcome….
Is My Unlove Showing?
About thirty of us from our church’s career group wee packed into a living rom, listening to our friend Ellen share insights from her nine-year career as a single missionary in Cameroon, West Africa. When Ellen had concluded and a thoughtful silence hung in the air, she asked, “Does anyone have any questions?” From the…
My Fountain
We who have been redeemed can choose one of two kinds of lives to live here. We can enjoy a life of continual vitality, or we can live in an arid wasteland. The prophet Jeremiah begged Israel to choose life, asking the question, “Why will ye die?” And this exhortation I am continually burdened to…
Serving or Slaving: Love Makes the Difference
“Mommmeee!! I neeeeed yoooouu!” For the third time in five minutes, I had been summoned in this way. The first time was for an “accident” in the bathroom. “No problem. It’s okay, Honey. We’ll do better next time.” A minute later, two-year-old Annie needed help opening the door to the basement. “Here you go, Baby….
The Other Side
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12 :1 And after that shall the Levites go in to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation: and thou shalt cleanse them,…
The Beautiful Spirit 