"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."Galatians 1:10 (NIV)So I am going to tell on myself here. It is after midnight. I was just about to lie down to drift off into la-la land when I suddenly realized that my dishes downstairs were not done and the kitchen looked like it had … [Read more...] about Why This Need for Approval?
Archives for July 2010
Can’t Have One Without the Other
"For you have been granted [the privilege] for Christ's sake not only to believe in (adhere to, rely on, and trust in) Him, but also to suffer in His behalf." Philippians 1:29 (Amplified Bible) If I had it my way, I would never allow suffering of any kind to be part of my life. I love comfort. I love happiness. I love laughter. I dread winter's cold and ice. I dread good-byes. I dread conflict in … [Read more...] about Can’t Have One Without the Other
Simply Irresistible
"You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great."Psalm 18:35 (NIV)"Dad, I don't know what I am going to do. Can you help me?" I sobbed into the phone.My father has never been able to resist my tears, especially when I have expressed my need for him to help me. I have always known that it doesn't matter what time of the day or … [Read more...] about Simply Irresistible
If Only…
"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you."2 Thessalonians 3:16A year ago last spring, the Lord started speaking to me about teaching my daughter's Sunday school class. It was a thought that I hoped would leave without requiring me to act on the thought. The thought of leaving my own adult class to teach ten and eleven-year-old … [Read more...] about If Only…
A Matter of Trust
"Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"John 11:40I am coming to recognize a sinister plot that I have been prey to. I have heard of others caught in its web, too, but I foolishly thought I was immune to it. In fact, I read about other victims nearly everyday who have found themselves a part of this diabolical scheme and have shaken my head, … [Read more...] about A Matter of Trust
A Hard Goodbye
"Don't you see that children are God's best gift? the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?"Psalm 127:3 (The Message) I don't know exactly when it happened, but I have made a startling revelation this summer. The first inkling of it happened earlier this spring. As I do every year, I sorted through my children's clothing, putting the too-small garments in a pile to give to Good Will, making … [Read more...] about A Hard Goodbye