In Luke 7:37-50 we read a story which we all can learn from. The story goes as follows. Jesus was dining with a Pharisee at his house. They are sitting down with each other, and a woman walks in. This woman was known at that time as “a sinner.” Somehow this woman knew that Jesus was at this Pharisee’s house and went there on her own to see Him. She didn’t wait for an invitation – probably because she knew, deep down, she wouldn’t get one. So, she enters the house and stands a

The story of Joseph begins in Genesis 37 and continues into chapter 50. The story is about his family, hardships, forgiveness and family restoration. Joseph’s story, in a quick version, is as follows. Joseph was the son of Jacob, and he was his father’s favorite son because he was born to his father when he was late in his age. His father made Joseph a special coat to wear, and his brothers became very jealous of him. Joseph also had two dreams and interpreted them. Th

In high school I tried out for the basketball team without any experience. I made the junior varsity team but not varsity like I had hoped. What else did I really expect! So, after one year of playing, learning, and getting some experience I felt like the next year I could make the varsity team if I practiced continually. So, the following summer I asked our neighbors who had a basketball hoop in their driveway if I could practice shooting every day. They agreed, and I practi

When I became pregnant with our first child it required a lot of faith. The doctors told me that if I continued with the pregnancy there was a chance it could cause me major health problems and possibly my life. I remember thinking that I had God on my side despite what the doctors were saying. For the next nine months I put all my trust and faith in God that He would see me and the baby through, and He did. The story of David and Goliath is also a story that required a lot o

One trait about myself that I wish I didn’t have is my impatience to wait on things. At Christmas or on my birthday it drives me nuts to know there is a present somewhere in the house for me, and either I can’t find it or if I do it’s already wrapped! There have been times when I have searched and found gifts my husband has gotten for me, and I just couldn’t stand it, and I peeked! In doing so, my impatience ruined the surprise for me, and I ruined it for my husband. Even tho

Genesis 2:15-17 reads, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the Lord God commanded the man “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.” Now to chapter 3:1-6. “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not

How many times do we find ourselves in situations that seem hopeless? Situations that look as though they are never going to get any better. When those times happen to come into our lives it can be easy to think, “Am I going to get through this?” or “When is this going to end? Where is the light at the end of the tunnel?” Psalms 23:4 tells us, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfo

How many times have we said, “I don’t know how we’re going to make it” or “I guess we are always going to struggle”? Perhaps we have even said, “There’s no cure for this disease, the doctors say there’s nothing they can do.” Statements like these reflect death because there is nothing positive in these or in similar statements. Nothing alive or bringing forth hope. A better way to think would be, “Things are tight this week, but God will provide.” Also, in the statement, “The

Suppose you had only one pair of socks to wear every day and they were extremely worn. Let’s say the heal of those socks were wearing thin and were full of holes. Then suppose someone noticed your holy, worn socks and offered you a brand-new pair, a real thick pair of socks. A pair of socks that were cushy feeling and kept your feet warm and well protected. What would you do? Would you keep the old ones because they were worn-in and somehow comfortable to you or would you gla

Roller coasters are an amazing thing to look at. The way they are designed and programmed to run is fascinating. The speed, twists, turns are exciting and to see people’s faces on them is also quite interesting. Some people have a look of terror, and some have the look of fun. Most of them, for the most part, look like they are enjoying the thrill ride. Life also, at times, can be like that of a roller coaster ride because of all the ups, downs and twists and can really try a

Isn't it great when someone offers to help you when they see you have a need? A close friend of mine and I have relied on each other throughout the years for help. There have been many times when we have helped each other out in several areas, one of which is in-home projects. We have been there helping each other with wallpapering, painting, rearranging furniture, cleaning each other's houses, putting things together, etc. really, the list is endless. The point is that whene

Seeing people coming forward to the altar for prayer is an amazing thing. It is wonderful to see people having the courage and faith to come forward and allowing someone to pray with them. People come for many reasons, one of which is for healing. There are so many people out there who need healing, and seeing them come in faith to be prayed for is wonderful. I have seen it many times and have even had the privilege of praying for people at the altar. I have also been to the

I have heard people many times say, "I just keep getting knocked down." They feel like just as they are making progress in life, something happens, causing them to take two steps backward. They feel as though they can never get ahead, and that can be very frustrating. This happens to everyone at least once in their life, but thankfully we have God to help and lift us back up when we feel we're knocked down. In Mark 9:1-29, we read how Jesus helped a boy who also got knocked

My youngest child is one who absolutely believes in the power of prayer and practices it for everything. He believes when He prays, God will answer and even expects Him to answer. This is evident in many areas of his life, especially when he is sick. Oftentimes when he isn't feeling well, he will say, "Mom, will you please pray for me – pray that my headache will go away. "(Or whatever it is that is hurting him) He is very specific with his asking and what is amazing to see a

Have you ever seen someone and thought to yourself, "I need to help them: and you did? A person who needed the door held open for them, or one who needed a hand in carrying something in? A person who you knew needed a meal, and you brought them one, or how about seeing someone on the street you knew was hungry and you got them something to eat? Times of helping like this is so wonderful, and we need to be consistently looking for areas where we can be a blessing to others. In

The saying "He or she is not in their right mind" is one that most of us have said at least once. We usually reference this to someone who does not make sense with what they are saying or doing, which can be hard to witness, especially if it is someone you care about. In Luke 8:26-40, we also read about a man who was not in his right mind, but his condition was brought on because he was possessed with demons. The Bible says that when Jesus stepped out of a boat onto the shore

Funerals are always so difficult to attend and yet it is a part of life and all of us will eventually have to attend at least one in our lifetime. It is so hard to know what to say and really the only thing one can do is just hug that person and tell them that you are praying for them. That if there is anything you can do for them to let you know. In Luke 7:11-18 we read about a funeral that was also taking place and how Jesus showed up and provided a miracle for the grieving

There have been times when I have told my children as I was heading out somewhere that whoever wanted to go with me could and that all they had to do was just get in the car. Sometimes they have all chosen to go and sometimes not. It is nice when they all want to go, but I can’t force them if they do not want to. I wish I could at times because it is nice to spend time with them, but I know that I can’t, and I leave it up to them as to whether or not they will go. In Luke 23:

Years ago, there was an incident between my younger son and me when he had gotten in some trouble. He had to go to his room for a time out, and for what reason, I do not remember. What I do remember is when he came out, and we talked about what happened; he said he forgave me and wanted to know if I was going to ask him to forgive me or not. I almost laughed when he asked me this until I realized he was serious. I told him that I was sorry he had made a wrong choice and had t

Most parents have used the phrase at least once that fighting never solves anything. The saying is true, but there are those times when it seems as though a fight just has to break out. Emotions run at an all-time high during an argument, and the next thing you know, someone has lost their temper, they decide to throw the first punch, and then it turns ugly. In the end, the fight never solved anything, and the people are left with hurt feelings and oftentimes bruises. In the