I’ve been reflecting lately on my children’s growing-up years. How I longed to be the “perfect” mother, something I eventually learned was an illusion. I tried to keep my children from harm, but they have been hurt. I hoped they would enjoy life, but they have suffered. I wanted to kiss their “boo-boos” away, watch […]
Read MoreCategory Archives: Special Needs
The Holy Spirit’s Power and Presence in Times of Crisis
Are you going through a severe test? Maybe you have lost your appetite or you haven’t slept well for weeks or months. Fear and panic have replaced quietness and peace. You experience loneliness, discouragement, and isolation, complicated by unending physical or emotional pain. You’ve prayed and asked others to pray as well. And still, there […]
Read MoreIs God Really in Control?
Do you ever find yourself wondering, “Does God really have things in hand here, or is my life spinning out of control?” I have. Trusting in Jesus Christ at age 18, I soon concluded that if I simply did enough of the right things, my Christian life would be a steady climb toward maturity. Numerous […]
Read MoreFirm Footing for Life’s Landslides
Few things are more beautiful than Southern California after a heavy winter rainstorm. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, the crisp, clean Los Angeles basin is embraced by snow-coated mountains. However, when the mountains and hills are saturated with water, dangers are not far behind. Years ago, one specific winter was exceptionally stormy. […]
Read MoreOur Tragedy, God’s Glory
Like the biblical accounts of the blind man in John 9 and the death of Lazarus in John 11, what may seem to us a tragedy is part of God’s eternal plan to bring glory to Him. Some 21 years ago, my son and daughter-in-law became the parents of identical twin boys named David and […]
Read MoreCommitting to the Road Less Travelled
M. Scott Peck began his book The Road Less Traveled with this truth: “Life is difficult.”1 Writing this reality or reading it is one thing; accepting it is another. Are you wrestling with the struggles of life today, knowing that changing your circumstances is not one of your options? You’re not alone; the difficulty of […]
Read MoreWhat We Need to Help Us Through Trials
When you encounter people who are going through a trial, do you find yourself thinking: I really want to help others who are struggling, but what do they need most? As human beings, we all need the following qualities in our lives to help us through our toughest times. Trust: We need to sense acceptance […]
Read MoreWhat Should I Say to Hurting People
Ever wish you could reach out to a friend in crisis, but you’re just not sure what to say? Most of us tend either to avoid the person or situation altogether or to rush in and say too much. The list below demonstrates some ways you can effectively support people in need. Notice how these […]
Read MoreA Possible Revolution
It was a bustling Sunday morning at church. The children’s classes and adult fellowships overflowed with folks who appeared focused as well as fulfilled. The church was highly respected throughout the community and centrally located in one of the fastest growing cities of the nation. A visiting couple assessed the morning’s activities. Because their son […]
Read MoreBeing a True Friend
He was the kind of friend we all wish for. His name was Jonathan, the son of King Saul and heir apparent. However, Jonathan was a loyal friend to David, the Bethlehem shepherd boy whom God had chosen to succeed Saul as king. Saul was fiercely focused on killing David; Jonathan was fiercely devoted to […]
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