Scripture: “Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many” (Hebrews 12:15 NLT). As a kid growing up in the Oklahoma Panhandle, I became very familiar with the dry, thorny tumbleweeds that blocked fences, roads, and empty buildings. The “Russian thistle,” a green, thirsty bush, absorbs many liters of […]
Read More →THE GAME OF LIFE How many of you watched the Superbowl? That game will go down in history! I’d like to tell you of another football game that is also memorable—although for a far different reasons. The event took place on January 1st, 1929 in Pasadena. California.. The Rose Bowl stadium was packed with over 70,000 […]
Read More →One of the benefits of keeping a journal is to be able to look back and see progress (or lack thereof) toward my goals. I searched my entry for January 1, 2016, and found some excellent resolutions (from “Board of Wisdom—Ten Ways to Love).” Listen without interrupting (Proverbs 18). Speak without accusing (James 1:19). Give without sparing (Proverbs […]
Read More →Being still at Christmas seems an oxymoron. But since I determined to celebrate this festival as a God-ordained time of refreshment, I notice a new quiet in my spirit. My thoughts no longer are rampant with undone chores. I no longer feel the need to fill silent moments with talk of mundane things. I can […]
Read More →Scripture: Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.,” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43-43) NIV. For several years, I taught children’s church at the Friends Church in Bacliff, Texas. One of my favorite teaching tools was puppetry. I made four large […]
Read More →I recently found myself indignant over something a friend said and responded with angry words of my own. Even as I spoke, my spiritual contentment and peace evaporated. Then I turned to the Lord in my morning quiet time and asked what He would say to me. The gentle answer came as I felt impressed […]
Read More →Scripture: A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold (Proverbs 22:1 NIVUK). My name, Joanne, was given me by my father. He loved Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women and Little Men. The heroine became his ideal of what a girl should be, and he determined […]
Read More →Scripture: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others (Philippians 2:3-4 NIV). The quality I feel God wants me to work on this year is graciousness—kindness, courtesy, and compassion in all my […]
Read More →Scripture: I will not in any way fail you nor leave you without support. I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake you nor let you down nor relax My hold on you. Assuredly not! (Hebrews 13:5 AMP). Perhaps fifty years ago, when my children were […]
Read More →Scripture: The wisdom from above is first of all pure (undefiled); then it is peace-loving, courteous, considerate, gentle). [It is willing to] yield to reason, full of compassion and good fruits; it is wholehearted and straightforward, impartial and unfeigned (free from doubt, wavering, and insincerity) (James 3:17 AMP). Soon after marrying my husband, I realized […]
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