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Thankful for what isn’t
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18, NLT In 1990, country music artist Garth Brooks released a song titled “Unanswered Prayers.” In it, as with most country hits, he reflected on an old flame he once prayed to God would be his, […]
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“Smile more” is not working
I had a conversation today with someone I treasure. Someone I see as a strong force, a usually joyful person. Someone going through a tough time, and still smiling. My thoughts as she expressed her frustration in her struggle, and her desire to continue to temper her growing anger were that she wore it so […]
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out of the fog
Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say,“This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left. Isaiah 30:21, NLT In my daily travels recently for my current position, I have been blessed by the beautiful scenery offered by the mountainous terrain of the Blue Ridge. However, […]
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Consider your words
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragment to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29, NLT It had been going on for days. Constant bickering. Name-calling. Arguing. The two had been fighting like toddlers. “She hit me.” “Well, he was making […]
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A better way to honor change
Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an […]
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Those who want the best
In a conversation while watching TV, my husband and I reflected over the death of the TV sitcom. Streaming has killed mainstream TV, and the idea of sitting down with kids to just watch a family TV show seems dead. Gone are the days of shows like Who’s the Boss, Family Matters, and Growing Pains. […]
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A peace only One can give
“I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 When you think of peace, of what do you think? Peace for many may be being at home alone with no kids, eating whatever […]
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Stay strong and keep the faith
I’ve been waitin’ for breakthrough, I’ve been prayin’ for change; I know You’ll work it all for good but how long will it take? I’ve been asking for healing and I’m not gonna lie I’m ready for the miracle, God, let it be this time. -Stay Strong, Danny Gokey I was expecting it. The turn of […]
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After the storm
Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalm 30:5, NLT I had started the morning kind of down, and my gratitude list looked like this: Not the typical list of small, praise-worthy items I listed each morning during my moments of quiet and solitude. Just that first item to start. […]
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Can We Celebrate the Set Free?
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13, NLT I have been decluttering our home […]
Straight Up: Messy Truth
Faith in this Messy Life
Straight Up: Messy Truth 