empty plate with fork and spoon crossed During the season of Lent, there can be many calls to use fasting as a spiritual discipline. no red meat on fridaysstay off social mediapick one thing you really love and give it up for the season In most Christian circles you will rarely hear fasting mentioned, and … Continue reading Should I Fear Fasting?
A Mark To Remember
(A cross shape on top of ashes) Photos, awards, a folded American flag, certificates, and various hats revealed a life well-lived in the service of others and God. This table of remembrance, set up near the chapel entrance, displayed things representing my friend’s father’s life. Attending a memorial service brings a stark reminder of what … Continue reading A Mark To Remember
Leaving and Lament
(A woman is seated with her head bowed down.) 1 Hear me, Lord, my plea is just; listen to my cry. Hear my prayer—it does not rise from deceitful lips. 2 Let my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right. Psalm 17:1-2 NIV 3 Though you probe my heart, though you … Continue reading Leaving and Lament
How Can I Respond to False Accusations? Lessons on God’s Love Learned from a Man on the Run
Person running away False accusations have a way of wearing me down. Initially the truth stands guard on my heart, and I feel righteous and free and can put the lie away. However, sometimes a false accusation returns days, months or years later. Perhaps it is something with a small grain of truth that has … Continue reading How Can I Respond to False Accusations? Lessons on God’s Love Learned from a Man on the Run
Five Lessons Learned about God’s Love from a Sinner’s Situation
(Man praying on a hill.) When I was in fifth grade, I peered in the mirror smiling and discovered that my teeth were coated with red dye in various shades. Plaque disclosing dye tablets had done their job. My reflection revealed a real lack of dental hygiene in my 10-year-old self. The plaque had been … Continue reading Five Lessons Learned about God’s Love from a Sinner’s Situation
Four Love Lessons from Toddlers
A toddler holding an action figure. Toddlers love hard. They love their toys, their friends, and their people. This last weekend my son-in-law, a youth minister, was away all weekend for the annual youth retreat. My two-year-old granddaughter, Margaret, missed him so much that she insisted on going to bed each night with his photo … Continue reading Four Love Lessons from Toddlers
Am I Operating My Life Beyond God’s Design Capacity?
During Hurricane Harvey, the Houston area received close to sixty inches of rain. Water drainage experts design all kinds of landscaping features to mitigate flooding in the Houston area. The fountains and lakes you see as you enter a subdivision are beautifully disguised flood mitigation features. However, no amount of these features could manage Harvey’s … Continue reading Am I Operating My Life Beyond God’s Design Capacity?
Is There an Antidote for Envy?
(woman scrolling on her phone) Warning! Continuous scrolling on social media may cause soul damage. Have you ever started your day by scrolling through social media while sipping coffee on the couch? Checking out a few curated images on Instagram? Reading personal opinions on Twitter? Looking for recipes on Pinterest? Checking out status updates on … Continue reading Is There an Antidote for Envy?
Do I Know God’s Majesty?
“Jake’s not feeling well today, so he won’t be with us.” Without missing a beat, my three-year-old daughter said, “We should pray for him.” She grabbed our hands and bowed her head and prayed. Even as a preschooler many years ago, her heart was full of faith and determination to take it all to the … Continue reading Do I Know God’s Majesty?
What detours are you facing?
What detours are you facing in this season? Are you willing to persevere like the three kings?
Anthea Kotlan 