Fear motivates me to all kinds of dysfunctional behaviors. When I feel unsafe, I switch into self-preservation mode. It is a natural instinct to protect oneself from harm or destruction. I even see it in my 4 month old granddaughter. When she perceives she is under attack, her eyes flutter, she pulls her head away …
We are a “self” consumed society. Opening the Google search bar and typing in “self,” resulted in all kinds of interesting options. Self-efficacy, self-actualization, self-esteem, self-sufficient…all focused on understanding our self. There are books, conferences, studies devoted to understanding our true self, exposing the false self, living from a place of integrity. All of these …
I am a journaler. Not an everyday sort of journaler but a regular writer. This week I filled a journal I started in January of 2019. As I prepared to write my final entry, I turned back to review the previous year. On March 25, 2019, I wrote this: I wonder if we all slowed …
Suddenly… Immediately… Right now… What do these words mean to you? The gospel of Mark is known for his use of the term “immediately.” He portrays Jesus as the servant and a servant acts immediately when called upon. He doesn’t ponder, consider, contemplate if he will act or when. He responds when called. So Jesus …
Today our state begins the transition from COVID-19 isolation to “normal,” whatever that is. Your state may be different, but the gate is open. I admit, I approach the gate very cautiously, looking carefully in every direction. Is it safe to wander beyond the confines of my yard? I found a few verses that will …
Romance. Chick flicks. Whatever you call them, they usually include a character who pursues someone in spite of great opposition. This person refuses to take no for an answer and is jealous for the affection of his/her true love. Jealousy has a bad rap. Mostly it motivates people to do stupid things that are harmful …
A few days ago I wrote encouraging my dear readers to be okay with whatever emotion comes during these days of isolation. Some days are peaceful, joyfilled and quiet, some days are…not. Today was not…for me. The last few days have been very difficult. Dave encouraged me to remember this is short term, keep the …
The one outstanding difference between Christianity and every other religion is an empty tomb. Our Lord is not buried, his body did not decay, he is alive! Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and …
There are certain things a person knows through senses other than sight. Things that cannot be proven empirically, but rather are known. For instance, I know my husband loves me. I could point to observable acts that he does for me. But it doesn’t prove he loves me. Simply, because he might also do those …
He prayed, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you! O our God, did you not drive out those who lived in this land when your people Israel arrived? …