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

Have you ever been on your way somewhere and had something happen to slow you down? Something unexpected, and it cost you time? Times like that are incredibly frustrating because you don't want or, in some cases, can't afford to be late. In Mark 5:21-43, we read about a Synagogue official Jairus and whose daughter needed healing. Jairus came to Jesus, asking Him to come and lay his hands on his daughter because she would die, and he agreed. As they were making their way to Ja

Have you ever been caught “Red handed” so to speak doing something that you knew you shouldn’t be doing? If so, you were most likely stunned, nervous and scared about what the repercussions would be. Its at those moments you realize it was not worth what you did, and you knew you shouldn’t have done it before you did it anyways. In John 8:1-11 there is a story brought to Him a woman who was caught in the very act of adultery. They told Jesus that according to the Law of Moses

Often times I have heard the familiar saying “You won’t believe it unless you see it for yourself” or “Seeing is believing” and it usually means whatever it is I’m about to see is unbelievable. Whenever someone has said that to me and I go and see it for myself I find out they were right. I see that if I had not seen it myself I wouldn’t have believed them. The story of a man who has often been called “Doubting Thomas” was in one of these situations. His story is found in Joh

Have you ever done something for someone and chose to do it anonymously? It is always so much fun to bless someone anonymously and see how they respond. It is especially significant to bless someone and not receive a thank you because they don't even know it is you they should thank. Times like these are also great because it's genuinely about others' blessing that matters and not of ourselves and how it should always remain. In John 5:1-14, we read a story about Jesus healin

If you have children under the age of 18, it is crucial to make sure that your children have a place to live with people you trust if something ever happened to you. It's essential to legalize this by having a will stating who your children's guardians are to be, so it is not left up to the courts. Making this type of provision is hard because it makes you think of death, which is hard to deal with, but to ensure your children's wellbeing, it is something that you must do bec

Sometimes I have to tell my children when they want me to do something that they have to wait a minute (unless, of course, it’s very serious). It is not that I don’t care, it’s just sometimes they catch me when I am involved in something, and they have to be patient.  I do let them know; however, I will get to them just as soon as possible. Thankfully our God is not too busy for us when we have a need and answers us when we call unto him. In Mark 11:46-52, there is a story ab

It is a tremendous blessing to have at least one person in your life; you can totally trust. That one person who knows your deepest darkest secret and still loves you. That one person who knows everything about you and doesn't judge you because of it. To have that person in your life is truly a gift from God and should be greatly appreciated. In John chapter 4, there is a story under the heading of The Woman of Samaria. The story is that Jesus, who was tired from His journey,