Understanding Your Grief But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. — Isaiah 40:31 Grief is not an enemy or a sign of weakness. It is a sign of being human. Grief is…
Throw the Baby in the River
The mustached man grabbed my arm roughly and said, “Come with me.” Anger flashed in his eyes. As he led me forcefully to the front of the store, he explained that he was part of the undercover security team, and he had witnessed me shoplifting. This was a revelation to me. I was shopping for…
Are They God’s Desires Or Mine?
How do I distinguish between my desires and God’s? How do I tap in to my true heart’s desires — the ones that lead me to His best for me? Once the Holy Spirit is dwelling within your heart, you have more than mere human intuition and know-how to help you make decisions. As the…
A Cleft in a Rock
A God Who Is With You When You Reach the End of Yourself Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: it is easier to say “My tooth is aching” than to say “My…
Tending the Garden of the Soul
The Interplay of Our Spiritual Temperaments At least once a week, I’ll want to spend some time going on a prayer walk through the woods. On a regular basis, I’ll need to make sure I’m continuing to study. Perhaps I’ll need to download more teachings or order more books. Also, I should begin respecting my…
Prayer Is a Peace-Giving Gift
Many decades ago, one of my college friends gave me a small picture that has meant a great deal to me. There is nothing remarkable about it from an artistic standpoint, but it has given me great comfort during some important times nonetheless. In fact, not long ago, I asked the Lord for direction…
Jesus Revealed in Us
Those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. — 1 Peter 4:19 If our kids always behave and our boss is always pleased and our home is always orderly and our bodies always feel good and we are patient and kind and thoughtful and…
Captivating: Healing the Wound of Our Feminine Hearts
I didn’t know just what was wrong with me, Till your love helped me name it. – Aretha Franklin Down those old ancient streets, Down those old ancient roads, Baby there together we must go Till we get the healing done. – Van Morrison Just an hour ago, a hummingbird was trapped in our garage. They come here to…
Praying for Others
You sit in an ER waiting room, surrounded by an anxious family. You rushed here the moment you learned of the accident. The teenage son of your neighbor was injured in a car wreck. He is in surgery. Your friends are in shock. You’d do anything for them. But what can you do? You try…
Mother’s Day: Prayers for Mom
You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. — Psalm 139:13-14 Father, you are the creator of all. You knew me before I was born, and you know me intimately still. My identity is so wrapped up in my job…