“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV Fear is something I believe most, if not all of us, have dealt with in the last few years. In moments when I would personally…
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 According to the Mirriam-Webster dictionary, the word “masterpiece” means “a work done with extraordinary skill” We were all created by a very…
In my neighborhood, each spring, there are lots of little birdies with their loving parents building nests and tending to their young. If you were to walk my neighborhood with me, you would join me in dreading the silent swooping of hawks. Soon after, you would hear the squawking and…
One of my favorite winter coats of all time was one my mother-in-law purchased for me. She called me one day shortly before lunch to ask me to meet her in another part of town. She had found a coat for me and wanted me to try it on. It…
In one of the small towns in which we resided, the city ordinances still allow for the burning of leaves, as long as the forecast calls for low or light wind conditions. I was burning some leaves one fall day at about dusk when I had to go in the…
When I was a young girl, my grandfather began showing the early signs of dementia. Although the family helped wherever they could, my grandmother bore the bulk of responsibility for his care. Through all the stages of his decline, I watched as she lovingly endured his confusion, mild hostility toward…
When considering the aspect of love that dictates we “bear all things,” it is important to remember another definition of the word. “Bear” means to endure an ordeal or difficulty. And, to clarify, endure means tolerating or putting up with something, especially something unpleasant. So let’s replay a few typical…
Who doesn’t want to be loved? At the very core of our being, we desire affection, respect, consideration, and appreciation. We need it, even when we are in an unlovable state. We need to give it when others are in the same state. To wholeheartedly love means much more than…
A conversation with someone looking away or at something else besides you is only half a conversation. Their inattention makes you wonder if what you have to say is important to that person at all. They may be distracted because they don’t have a vested interest in what you are…