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Coming Soon . . . A Summer to Soak
Welcome to Summer! Girlfriends, are you ready? Beginning next week, we will launch into a brand new summer study, and I’ve been waiting since last fall to bring this to you! God has placed this study on my heart as only He could do, and I am looking so forward to seeing what He has…
Read MoreBe Present
Take time to breathe in this Easter weekend. Be present with those around you. Look at your children. Listen to their hearts. Remember why your husband’s eyes made you fall so completely in love. Cherish your friendship. Breathe in hope. Lay down that burden that you can’t control anyway. Laugh. Remember your salvation. Acknowledge your…
Read More10 Strategies to Diffuse Anger and Keep Your Joy
When I think of a characterization of anger my mind goes to Looney Tunes – love it! – and the coyote’s head about to explode after the road runner outwits him once again. Ever feel that way as a parent? Yes, I see that hand. God knows I need His help in this. Every. Single.…
Read MoreThe Physical Effects of Anger
Anger can do crazy things to you. I didn’t think I had anger “issues” before I had kids. You know what I mean? I thought I was a pretty laid back girl. (See my last post.) But these sweet faces that I prayed for, for years, can push my buttons like none other. And they…
Read MoreThe Angry Mom
I was such a great parent before I had kids. Right? Anyone else get this? I was the one who swore “I’m never feeding my kids McDonald’s”, and “the T.V. will never be the babysitter”. Okay, pumpkin. We all have those dreamy visions though, prior to reality, of future joy-filled moments as a mother.…
Read MoreMerry Christmas!
What was the anticipation like for those angels, the ones who were a part of that great night with the shepherds? As they appeared to share the news that would change all of time, such great news… A great JOY to all people! The fulfillment of everything, God’s gift of redemption to all mankind.…
Read MoreNo Answers: What I'm (Still) Learning About Joy
I’ve been wanting to write a follow-up to our November Joy series. I’d had it planned out for a couple weeks. But everything changed last Friday morning. The tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary altered so much for so many. My mother’s heart was completely shattered, as all four of my children are around that…
Read MoreWhen Life is Uncertain…PRAISE HIM
A few weeks ago I was in our church’s Sunday morning service, standing with so many others, hearing the music, watching the band lead us. My heart was heavy when I’d walked in, the result of a rough morning and hard week filled with too much. I stood there thirsty, longing for a life-giving something…
Read MoreThanksgiving JOY
Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before Him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are His. We are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise.…
Read MoreNovember Joy: Give Thanks in ALL Circumstances
“‘Fleas!’ I cried. ‘Betsie, the place is swarming with them!’ “We scrambled across the intervening platforms, heads low to avoid another bump, dropped down to the aisle and hedged our way to a patch of light. “‘Here! And here another one!’ I wailed. ‘Betsie, how can we live in such a place!’ “‘Show us. Show us how.’…
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