Lessons from the Grapevine
Some lessons are pretty easy, other than having to let go of some of our self-dependence. Others are challenging, difficult, or deeply painful. But if we’re abiding in Him, they lead to resurrection life and joy.
Tag: #joy
Scars that Harm, Scars that Hurt, Scars that Heal
This has been a good—hard—year. Through an extended battle with Covid and it’s side effects, it’s been a year to learn much, grow spiritually, become more aware of His presence, and see the power of prayer.
My Year, So Far
A second childhood, or a second chance at life?
Wake Up Call
God was not caught off guard by this young man’s suicide. He was not surprised by it. Could I have made a difference? Maybe. I’ll never know for certain. I do know that God allowed him in my life for a season of mutual encouragement…. I can be thankful for this experience. Joyously giving thanks? Absoultely not! Not right now. Not yet. Maybe a little further down the road, when I see more of how God uses it. For now, it just hurts too much.
Two songs
My sin – oh wait. this is so cool. Just the thought of this makes me overflow with joy My sin – not just part of it, not just one sin, but all of it! Every sin I’ve ever done is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no…
An Invitation
How to be joyful, without faking it. Come join me on a journey into joy. We are supposed to have joy as Christians, right? How do you find joy in a world like we have seen this month? The death of two black men at the hands of police officers…
Just Almost the Best Christmas Ever
Large white flakes swirled and spun and painted the landscape a beautiful winter white. It started falling early on Saturday. The snow was supposed to be light – probably just flurries – maybe a little accumulation on grassy areas. Instead, it soon turned into a winter wonderland. Or, as I…
God’s Competition
Trish and I have two beautiful Appaloosa horses. Rocky and Domino are intelligent, strong, and almost trained. It is not a good idea for people with little knowledge of horse training to take on training an untrained horse, much less two. We intended to work with them some when they…
The Christian’s Secret to a Happy Life
To be happy. It’s something we all want. The United States’ Declaration of Independence asserts that our Creator has endowed us with the right to pursue happiness. One of the first Christian books I ever read, beside the Bible, was Hannah Whitall Smith’s The Christian’s Secret to a Happy Life. A…
But You Don’t Know What I’ve Been Through!
Sometimes life can really knock you around. It might have been physical bullying by someone, but not necessarily. Have you ever been through situations that left you feeling like you were just beaten up by life itself? I have. There was a season when I even took “dip” signs personally….