Your Daily Cup of Inspiration!

Next Time You'll Know...

My husband and I have four young children and no matter how much we tell them what is right, there are some lessons they have to learn on their own. In some cases, their curiosity gets the best of them and they try things that end up causing them pain. And there's no better teacher than pain. Certainly, as a protective mom, I hate to see them hurting. I wish that I could keep them from ever feeling any discomfort. Yet, I know that my children must experience some hardship of their own so that, on the next time, they'll know better. Similarly, in life, some lessons come hard don't they? Everything can't be learned in a book or vicariously through the life experiences of another. Some things you've just got to live through in order to extract and apply... Read more →

Next Time You'll Know...

My husband and I have four young children and no matter how much we tell them what is right, there are some lessons they have to learn on their own. In some cases, their curiosity gets the best of them and they try things that end up causing them pain. And there's no better teacher than pain. Certainly, as a protective mom, I hate to see them hurting. I wish that I could keep them from ever feeling any discomfort. Yet, I know that my children must experience some hardship of their own so that, on the next time, they'll know better. Similarly, in life, some lessons come hard don't they? Everything can't be learned in a book or vicariously through the life experiences of another. Some things you've just got to live through in order to extract and apply... Read more →

It's About Preparation

If you've ever painted a room, then you know how much prep time goes into it. It's all about the preparation, right? You have to use some of that removable (usually blue) 'safety' masking tape around moldings, doors and windows; use drop cloths to protect floors and furnishings. Sometimes, you even have to sand and scrape loose and flaky paint with sandpaper and paint scrapers - down to bare surfaces if necessary. You also might need to use a putty knife to fill all the nail and screw holes with spackling compound, plus fill any cracks with caulk. You get my drift... The preparation takes time... and lots of it! That's why so many people skip these steps and end up with a poor paint job. The walls turn out lumpy and flawed, paint smatterings appear all over the floors... Read more →

It's About Preparation

If you've ever painted a room, then you know how much prep time goes into it. It's all about the preparation, right? You have to use some of that removable (usually blue) 'safety' masking tape around moldings, doors and windows; use drop cloths to protect floors and furnishings. Sometimes, you even have to sand and scrape loose and flaky paint with sandpaper and paint scrapers - down to bare surfaces if necessary. You also might need to use a putty knife to fill all the nail and screw holes with spackling compound, plus fill any cracks with caulk. You get my drift... The preparation takes time... and lots of it! That's why so many people skip these steps and end up with a poor paint job. The walls turn out lumpy and flawed, paint smatterings appear all over the floors... Read more →

False Alarm!

This post is really important today. I want you to read it and really let it soak in. It'll be a blessing to you if you do. Alarm systems, though designed to aid in our protection, are not foolproof. Unfortunately, they can sometimes malfunction, causing an alarm to sound off when there really is no emergency. Have you experienced that at some point? Perhaps your car or house alarm went off, even though there was no real imminent threat. Consequently, you ended up being placed on heightened alert for no reason. I wonder, have you ever had an internal alarm go off about something that, in the end, failed to occur? Or have you ever gotten worked up over a situation that seemed to be deteriorating, but turned out not to be so bad by the time it was all... Read more →

False Alarm!

This post is really important today. I want you to read it and really let it soak in. It'll be a blessing to you if you do. Alarm systems, though designed to aid in our protection, are not foolproof. Unfortunately, they can sometimes malfunction, causing an alarm to sound off when there really is no emergency. Have you experienced that at some point? Perhaps your car or house alarm went off, even though there was no real imminent threat. Consequently, you ended up being placed on heightened alert for no reason. I wonder, have you ever had an internal alarm go off about something that, in the end, failed to occur? Or have you ever gotten worked up over a situation that seemed to be deteriorating, but turned out not to be so bad by the time it was all... Read more →

...To Get You to Move

Ever worn a pair of shoes that were too tight? Pretty painful right? Can you also remember the relief you felt once you got your feet out of those shoes? Felt like heaven didn't it? Because once your feet began throbbing from the discomfort of being squeezed, it no longer mattered how cute those shoes were, or how well you thought they complemented your outfit. You just wanted out! Similarly, there are some seasons when God allows us to be squeezed so we'll move from where we are to the place He wants us to be. He knows that the shoes we're currently occupying are too small and He wants to give us more room. But first, we've got to get tired of those same old shoes, before we'll trade them in for a new pair. You see, our human... Read more →

...To Get You to Move

Ever worn a pair of shoes that were too tight? Pretty painful right? Can you also remember the relief you felt once you got your feet out of those shoes? Felt like heaven didn't it? Because once your feet began throbbing from the discomfort of being squeezed, it no longer mattered how cute those shoes were, or how well you thought they complemented your outfit. You just wanted out! Similarly, there are some seasons when God allows us to be squeezed so we'll move from where we are to the place He wants us to be. He knows that the shoes we're currently occupying are too small and He wants to give us more room. But first, we've got to get tired of those same old shoes, before we'll trade them in for a new pair. You see, our human... Read more →

A Divine Set Up

Have you ever heard the expression that says, "Your setback is just a setup for a comeback"? Well, it's true. Many times in your life you don't know why your plans get derailed. At first glance, it seems that all is lost. During moments like this, if you allow the enemy to plague your mind, feelings of hopelessness and despair will set in. Don't go down that dark path. Instead, begin expecting God to move in unexpected ways. All too often, instead of maintaining an attitude of expectancy, we get caught up in the appearance of the situation. You know how it can be when things look bad. We lose heart. We begin worrying and fearing that things won't be rectified. We sometimes feed into the lies of our adversary and start adopting a pessimistic view of life. But now... Read more →

A Divine Set Up

Have you ever heard the expression that says, "Your setback is just a setup for a comeback"? Well, it's true. Many times in your life you don't know why your plans get derailed. At first glance, it seems that all is lost. During moments like this, if you allow the enemy to plague your mind, feelings of hopelessness and despair will set in. Don't go down that dark path. Instead, begin expecting God to move in unexpected ways. All too often, instead of maintaining an attitude of expectancy, we get caught up in the appearance of the situation. You know how it can be when things look bad. We lose heart. We begin worrying and fearing that things won't be rectified. We sometimes feed into the lies of our adversary and start adopting a pessimistic view of life. But now... Read more →

The Desires of Your Heart

The Lord already knows what you have need of, as well as what you desire even before you ask Him. He sees every situation you're facing and He cares about every detail of your life, down to the smallest. The desires of your heart are not lost on Him and although everything may not be the way you want it to be right now, God is still on your side. Sometimes, however, while you're confronting your storm, it's hard to remain optimistic. In truth, it seems that the desires of your heart will never be satisfied. You wonder, "When God when?" But don't for a moment feed into that line of thinking. Rather, remind yourself of what the word of God says: "Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy... Read more →

The Desires of Your Heart

The Lord already knows what you have need of, as well as what you desire even before you ask Him. He sees every situation you're facing and He cares about every detail of your life, down to the smallest. The desires of your heart are not lost on Him and although everything may not be the way you want it to be right now, God is still on your side. Sometimes, however, while you're confronting your storm, it's hard to remain optimistic. In truth, it seems that the desires of your heart will never be satisfied. You wonder, "When God when?" But don't for a moment feed into that line of thinking. Rather, remind yourself of what the word of God says: "Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy... Read more →

Keep on Pressing!

I had a speaking engagement on yesterday morning; God's word came forth mightily and His presence swept through that house. It was an absolutely awesome time as the altar was filled with folks receiving deliverance, restoration and breakthrough. It was truly glorious! But you know what? I wasn't so sure I was going to be able to complete that assignment the night before. You see, on Saturday evening, I got sick all of a sudden. My body felt weak, my throat ached, I was congested, plus I was developing a terrible cough. It was ugly. I knew that I had an obligation to fulfill, but at the same time, my physical body seemed to breaking down on me just hours before I had to minister. Nevertheless, I was determined to complete the assignment God had given me. And even though... Read more →

Keep on Pressing!

I had a speaking engagement on yesterday morning; God's word came forth mightily and His presence swept through that house. It was an absolutely awesome time as the altar was filled with folks receiving deliverance, restoration and breakthrough. It was truly glorious! But you know what? I wasn't so sure I was going to be able to complete that assignment the night before. You see, on Saturday evening, I got sick all of a sudden. My body felt weak, my throat ached, I was congested, plus I was developing a terrible cough. It was ugly. I knew that I had an obligation to fulfill, but at the same time, my physical body seemed to breaking down on me just hours before I had to minister. Nevertheless, I was determined to complete the assignment God had given me. And even though... Read more →

Beware of the Joy Killers

Whenever God is working in your life, it is inevitable that the enemy will try to throw things off course. Your adversary doesn't want you to enjoy the abundant life you're entitled to, so he'll do anything and everything in his power to steal your joy. He'll use anything to cause your faith to waver...financial struggles, relationship issues, health concerns, career upsets, business failures, esteem issues, excessive worry... anything that will rob you of the peace and joy God wants you to have. But you have to be aware and beware of his tactics. Don't let the enemy sidetrack you, thus keeping you off purpose and off focus. Don't let him trip you up with his subtle schemes to snatch away your faith and optimism. Don't let him get a foothold in your mind. No, fight back with the word... Read more →

Beware of the Joy Killers

Whenever God is working in your life, it is inevitable that the enemy will try to throw things off course. Your adversary doesn't want you to enjoy the abundant life you're entitled to, so he'll do anything and everything in his power to steal your joy. He'll use anything to cause your faith to waver...financial struggles, relationship issues, health concerns, career upsets, business failures, esteem issues, excessive worry... anything that will rob you of the peace and joy God wants you to have. But you have to be aware and beware of his tactics. Don't let the enemy sidetrack you, thus keeping you off purpose and off focus. Don't let him trip you up with his subtle schemes to snatch away your faith and optimism. Don't let him get a foothold in your mind. No, fight back with the word... Read more →

Guest Post: "Don't Touch It"

I can remember being a little girl going into the store with my mother; she would always tell me right before entering, “Now… we are about to go into this store and I don’t want you to touch anything”. She didn’t want me to mess anything up or break any merchandise. As far as she was concerned, I had no money to pay for items in the store, so, there was no purpose in me putting my hands on them. Makes sense... Nevertheless, despite the speech I received before entering into the store, I still wanted to touch things. And in fact, I did. I can recall knocking things over and getting popped. I can even remember messing with toys on the shelves and what I would have gotten had I obeyed, my mother opted not to get for me,... Read more →

Guest Post: "Don't Touch It"

I can remember being a little girl going into the store with my mother; she would always tell me right before entering, “Now… we are about to go into this store and I don’t want you to touch anything”. She didn’t want me to mess anything up or break any merchandise. As far as she was concerned, I had no money to pay for items in the store, so, there was no purpose in me putting my hands on them. Makes sense... Nevertheless, despite the speech I received before entering into the store, I still wanted to touch things. And in fact, I did. I can recall knocking things over and getting popped. I can even remember messing with toys on the shelves and what I would have gotten had I obeyed, my mother opted not to get for me,... Read more →

Don't Stress Out!

Today's post piggybacks on what I talked to you about yesterday. Essentially, it makes no sense to worry about what you can't change. It really doesn't and yet, most of us do it incessantly. We fret and obsess over what's out of whack in our lives. Still, by the time we finish taking ourselves through all kinds of mental aerobics, the situation is still there staring us right in the face. When will we learn to turn things over to God? After all, no amount of worrying and stressing will make things happen faster; nor will our franticness alleviate any of the hurt, agitation, anger, or angst we may be feeling. In truth, stressing out exacerbates the issue. Plainly put, worrying makes a bad situation even worse. Never better. Never. Interestingly, while I'm typing this post, I have a soundtrack... Read more →

Don't Stress Out!

Today's post piggybacks on what I talked to you about yesterday. Essentially, it makes no sense to worry about what you can't change. It really doesn't and yet, most of us do it incessantly. We fret and obsess over what's out of whack in our lives. Still, by the time we finish taking ourselves through all kinds of mental aerobics, the situation is still there staring us right in the face. When will we learn to turn things over to God? After all, no amount of worrying and stressing will make things happen faster; nor will our franticness alleviate any of the hurt, agitation, anger, or angst we may be feeling. In truth, stressing out exacerbates the issue. Plainly put, worrying makes a bad situation even worse. Never better. Never. Interestingly, while I'm typing this post, I have a soundtrack... Read more →

Just Let It Be

Have there ever been times when your situation weighed so heavily on your mind until you just felt tired...not just physically, but mentally? You know, one of those mentally draining circumstances that seemed to suck the life and vitality right out of you? The more you thought about it, the more overwhelmed, frustrated and depressed you felt. You didn't know how to fix it, but you certainly didn't know how to live with it either. Oh my, ever been there? It sure isn't easy. Trust me, I know. Well, when you face something especially difficult and traumatic in your life, one thing you have to remember is, if God doesn't fix it, the problem will persist. There's nothing you can do to turn it around. No amount of stressing, worrying or toiling will cause things to fall in place the... Read more →

Just Let It Be

Have there ever been times when your situation weighed so heavily on your mind until you just felt tired...not just physically, but mentally? You know, one of those mentally draining circumstances that seemed to suck the life and vitality right out of you? The more you thought about it, the more overwhelmed, frustrated and depressed you felt. You didn't know how to fix it, but you certainly didn't know how to live with it either. Oh my, ever been there? It sure isn't easy. Trust me, I know. Well, when you face something especially difficult and traumatic in your life, one thing you have to remember is, if God doesn't fix it, the problem will persist. There's nothing you can do to turn it around. No amount of stressing, worrying or toiling will cause things to fall in place the... Read more →

Will You Still Believe?

When there are giant obstacles to overcome before you're able to see the manifestation of God's will for your life, will you be discouraged by the way things appear, or will you believe God even when the odds are stacked against you? This is so important because there comes a time in every believer's life when unfavorable circumstances directly contradict what God has spoken. As a matter of fact, there will be times when the situation you face seems to threaten the possibility of even carrying out the mission that God Himself has given you. In times like these, will you still believe? Or will you doubt God's word? I wonder if you've ever endured one of those seasons when you felt like, "God, if You're the one who told me to do this, then why isn't it working out?... Read more →

Will You Still Believe?

When there are giant obstacles to overcome before you're able to see the manifestation of God's will for your life, will you be discouraged by the way things appear, or will you believe God even when the odds are stacked against you? This is so important because there comes a time in every believer's life when unfavorable circumstances directly contradict what God has spoken. As a matter of fact, there will be times when the situation you face seems to threaten the possibility of even carrying out the mission that God Himself has given you. In times like these, will you still believe? Or will you doubt God's word? I wonder if you've ever endured one of those seasons when you felt like, "God, if You're the one who told me to do this, then why isn't it working out?... Read more →

In Times of Great Discouragement

When we're most disappointed, confused and vulnerable, that's the perfect time to pray. In our darkest moments we must learn to seek God's face continually. Fellowshipping and communing with the Father is the only thing that can fortify our spirit. In times of great discouragement, I know how tempting it can be to entertain the thought of throwing your hands up and doubting that God even hears you. Don't do that. God sees. And he cares. As I said in the previous post, "He sits high and He looks low." The Lord has you covered. Don't allow a few closed doors to get the best of you. Don't quit because bills are due and you don't know where the money is coming from. Don't get down in the dumps because your career is off track and things haven't worked out... Read more →

In Times of Great Discouragement

When we're most disappointed, confused and vulnerable, that's the perfect time to pray. In our darkest moments we must learn to seek God's face continually. Fellowshipping and communing with the Father is the only thing that can fortify our spirit. In times of great discouragement, I know how tempting it can be to entertain the thought of throwing your hands up and doubting that God even hears you. Don't do that. God sees. And he cares. As I said in the previous post, "He sits high and He looks low." The Lord has you covered. Don't allow a few closed doors to get the best of you. Don't quit because bills are due and you don't know where the money is coming from. Don't get down in the dumps because your career is off track and things haven't worked out... Read more →

He'll Send You a Word

When you're enduring a trying season in your life, there's nothing like receiving a rhema word--one that's tailor-made for your situation. Have you ever been facing circumstances that left you discouraged, confused and all out of sorts? Did God send you a word to let you know that everything would, in fact, be all right? Perhaps the word came through a scripture, a recorded sermon, a prophetic word... or maybe even a blog post. It doesn't matter how it came; it was just what you needed wasn't it? I'm so thankful that, when we're at our lowest point, God always has a way of lifting to us, speaking to us and encouraging us. Sometimes He'll drop just the right song in your spirit and you'll find yourself singing it or humming the tune. Other times, He'll bring to your remembrance... Read more →

He'll Send You a Word

When you're enduring a trying season in your life, there's nothing like receiving a rhema word--one that's tailor-made for your situation. Have you ever been facing circumstances that left you discouraged, confused and all out of sorts? Did God send you a word to let you know that everything would, in fact, be all right? Perhaps the word came through a scripture, a recorded sermon, a prophetic word... or maybe even a blog post. It doesn't matter how it came; it was just what you needed wasn't it? I'm so thankful that, when we're at our lowest point, God always has a way of lifting to us, speaking to us and encouraging us. Sometimes He'll drop just the right song in your spirit and you'll find yourself singing it or humming the tune. Other times, He'll bring to your remembrance... Read more →

It's About Maturity

There are some things you can only learn in the furnace of affliction. There's no other way. So, even though everything in you might be screaming out in anguish, God allows you to go through it. Through the pain, He's maturing you so He can take you to the next dimension of breakthrough, blessing and favor in your life. Is your situation hard to handle in many ways? Do you feel like you can't take it anymore some days? If so, you're simply going through the maturation process. Don't worry. This will only make you better. Sometimes, we wonder why we have to go through such intense warfare. Why can't it be smoother sailing? Why does the storm have to rage? Well, those fierce winds and angry seas serve to strengthen us if we don't give up. When we come... Read more →

It's About Maturity

There are some things you can only learn in the furnace of affliction. There's no other way. So, even though everything in you might be screaming out in anguish, God allows you to go through it. Through the pain, He's maturing you so He can take you to the next dimension of breakthrough, blessing and favor in your life. Is your situation hard to handle in many ways? Do you feel like you can't take it anymore some days? If so, you're simply going through the maturation process. Don't worry. This will only make you better. Sometimes, we wonder why we have to go through such intense warfare. Why can't it be smoother sailing? Why does the storm have to rage? Well, those fierce winds and angry seas serve to strengthen us if we don't give up. When we come... Read more →

The Benefit of Pressure

I can remember the painful process of enduring labor with all four of my children. Although there was something unique about each pregnancy and subsequent birth, there was one thing that didn't change. Each time the moment came to bring a baby into this world, I would feel unrelenting pressure. Aside from the painful contractions that grew closer together by the hours... minutes... and eventually seconds, that consistent pressure created the urge for me to push. Certainly the pressure didn't feel good, but it was necessary. It was time to give birth and that was one of the ways my body let me know. There was a baby in that birth canal and only if I pushed through the pain and pressure would I get the opportunity to hold my precious newborn. I wonder, what is God trying to get... Read more →

The Benefit of Pressure

I can remember the painful process of enduring labor with all four of my children. Although there was something unique about each pregnancy and subsequent birth, there was one thing that didn't change. Each time the moment came to bring a baby into this world, I would feel unrelenting pressure. Aside from the painful contractions that grew closer together by the hours... minutes... and eventually seconds, that consistent pressure created the urge for me to push. Certainly the pressure didn't feel good, but it was necessary. It was time to give birth and that was one of the ways my body let me know. There was a baby in that birth canal and only if I pushed through the pain and pressure would I get the opportunity to hold my precious newborn. I wonder, what is God trying to get... Read more →

If You Quit...

I was working on a project last night that I've been attempting to complete for several months now; time after time I've tried to finish to no avail. Over the past several months, it seemed as if something would always go wrong and hinder my progress. Well, after numerous tries I began thinking, "Maybe I'm not on the right path. Maybe God is trying to tell me something." I had begun subconsciously assuming that the obstacles were indications of my need to possibly quit and take another course. Well, after a frustrating night, I decided to call one of my sisters just to say, "Hey!" But the conversation turned out not to be so casual. "How's the project going?" she asked me in an upbeat tone. "Terrible," I said sounding defeated and dejected. "I'm thinking about quitting." Why did I... Read more →

If You Quit...

I was working on a project last night that I've been attempting to complete for several months now; time after time I've tried to finish to no avail. Over the past several months, it seemed as if something would always go wrong and hinder my progress. Well, after numerous tries I began thinking, "Maybe I'm not on the right path. Maybe God is trying to tell me something." I had begun subconsciously assuming that the obstacles were indications of my need to possibly quit and take another course. Well, after a frustrating night, I decided to call one of my sisters just to say, "Hey!" But the conversation turned out not to be so casual. "How's the project going?" she asked me in an upbeat tone. "Terrible," I said sounding defeated and dejected. "I'm thinking about quitting." Why did I... Read more →

Don't Lose Your Praise

When life gets hectic, it has a way of draining you and weakening your resolve...particularly when trouble is coming at you from all sides. If you're not careful, you can get so caught up with the cares of this life, that you forget the importance of giving God praise through your storm. I know they say that "every cloud has a silver lining," but, in truth, it can be nearly impossible to see it when you're right in the middle of one of the toughest seasons of your life. Yet, you can't allow the storm to make you lose your praise. Be resolved, like David, to bless the Lord at all times (Psalm 34:1). That means, in the good or bad times; happy or sad; up or down; sick or well... you get the picture. Even when all you can... Read more →

Don't Lose Your Praise

When life gets hectic, it has a way of draining you and weakening your resolve...particularly when trouble is coming at you from all sides. If you're not careful, you can get so caught up with the cares of this life, that you forget the importance of giving God praise through your storm. I know they say that "every cloud has a silver lining," but, in truth, it can be nearly impossible to see it when you're right in the middle of one of the toughest seasons of your life. Yet, you can't allow the storm to make you lose your praise. Be resolved, like David, to bless the Lord at all times (Psalm 34:1). That means, in the good or bad times; happy or sad; up or down; sick or well... you get the picture. Even when all you can... Read more →

Time to Move On

Have you ever been in a miserable predicament, but you were too afraid to move for fear of losing what small semblance of security, happiness and stability you did have? Did you remain stuck in that situation far longer than you should have? Once you got out, I wonder, did you look back and see that the you could've been free of that bondage much faster had you had a shift in your paradigm sooner? I can think of a number of situations like that in my life! While I was going through the situation, I couldn't see how I could survive without that crutch I was holding on to. Oh, but once I made up my mind to move forward, after I got over the loss, I realized how much I had, in fact, gained by moving on. Listen,... Read more →

Time to Move On

Have you ever been in a miserable predicament, but you were too afraid to move for fear of losing what small semblance of security, happiness and stability you did have? Did you remain stuck in that situation far longer than you should have? Once you got out, I wonder, did you look back and see that the you could've been free of that bondage much faster had you had a shift in your paradigm sooner? I can think of a number of situations like that in my life! While I was going through the situation, I couldn't see how I could survive without that crutch I was holding on to. Oh, but once I made up my mind to move forward, after I got over the loss, I realized how much I had, in fact, gained by moving on. Listen,... Read more →

Afraid to Move

Have you ever been in a less than ideal situation but you were afraid to move for fear of losing what little semblance of security you did have? Did you remain in that miserable predicament far longer than you should have? Did you finally have that aha moment where you realized that it was time to move on? Well, we all have experienced the struggle involved in making a difficult decision. But if you fail to take action, you just end up stuck and that certainly isn't God's plan for you. Before taking the necessary steps toward change, at some point you had to come to the place of being sick and tired of being sick and tired. Read more →

The Lord Will Provide

I believe that there's someone reading this post that needs to hear 4 words: "The Lord will provide." If you're that individual, then this post is for you. Sometimes we cry out to God about a situation and He seems not to hear us. We wonder, "Lord why aren't you responding? Why aren't things changing? Why am I going through this tough season?" But no matter how dark, desperate, difficult, or desolate your circumstance seems, the Lord is on your side. And He is no doubt going to make provision for you. Whether your issue is financial, mental, spiritual, physical, emotional, or a combination of all of these; don't stop trusting. I know it's hard to operate in Abraham-like faith when you can't see your way out. Still, remain calm just as he did in Genesis 22 when God told... Read more →

The Lord Will Provide

I believe that there's someone reading this post that needs to hear 4 words: "The Lord will provide." If you're that individual, then this post is for you. Sometimes we cry out to God about a situation and He seems not to hear us. We wonder, "Lord why aren't you responding? Why aren't things changing? Why am I going through this tough season?" But no matter how dark, desperate, difficult, or desolate your circumstance seems, the Lord is on your side. And He is no doubt going to make provision for you. Whether your issue is financial, mental, spiritual, physical, emotional, or a combination of all of these; don't stop trusting. I know it's hard to operate in Abraham-like faith when you can't see your way out. Still, remain calm just as he did in Genesis 22 when God told... Read more →

Should be a Happy Time...

I was talking to a young lady last evening--she's a single mother of a small child and things didn't quite pan out with the baby's father; so she's doing everything on her own. I've been talking to her for some time now and encouraging her as she gets her life back on course, and renews her relationship with Jesus Christ. Well, she was so upset because she finally went over the income limit that enabled her to receive public assistance. Now she REALLY has to do it all: You know... daycare (which can be obscenely expensive!), rent, car note and insurance, food and clothing for the baby... not to mention her own needs. Exasperated, she said to me, "Dianna, I know this should be a happy time. I should be glad that I make too much money to receive assistance,... Read more →

Should be a Happy Time...

I was talking to a young lady last evening--she's a single mother of a small child and things didn't quite pan out with the baby's father; so she's doing everything on her own. I've been talking to her for some time now and encouraging her as she gets her life back on course, and renews her relationship with Jesus Christ. Well, she was so upset because she finally went over the income limit that enabled her to receive public assistance. Now she REALLY has to do it all: You know... daycare (which can be obscenely expensive!), rent, car note and insurance, food and clothing for the baby... not to mention her own needs. Exasperated, she said to me, "Dianna, I know this should be a happy time. I should be glad that I make too much money to receive assistance,... Read more →

Labor Day is Over

Still toiling, trying to work things out on your own? Still having trouble trusting and resting in God? Stuck in a predicament you don't quite like or understand, but don't know how NOT to go into "fix-it-mode"? Well, at some point, you're going to have to learn to take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there. For good. Without picking them back up again. Can that be tough to do? ABSOLUTELY. But it's necessary for your strength and growth, as well as the development of patience. "But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (James 1:4 NKJV). You have to resist the urge to figure things out through "trial and error" and learn to choose "prayer and supplication" instead. After all, laboring and struggling to change your circumstances, without direction... Read more →

Labor Day is Over

Still toiling, trying to work things out on your own? Still having trouble trusting and resting in God? Stuck in a predicament you don't quite like or understand, but don't know how NOT to go into "fix-it-mode"? Well, at some point, you're going to have to learn to take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there. For good. Without picking them back up again. Can that be tough to do? ABSOLUTELY. But it's necessary for your strength and growth, as well as the development of patience. "But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (James 1:4 NKJV). You have to resist the urge to figure things out through "trial and error" and learn to choose "prayer and supplication" instead. After all, laboring and struggling to change your circumstances, without direction... Read more →