What is discouragement? It is a curtain of doubt that falls on you when optimism over a certain outcome is ripped away.   I can vividly remember situations where I felt discouragement. A season of hope that was replaced by uncertainty and confusion. The moment my husband walked into the room after Hurricane Katrina and…

It seems some people naturally know how to encourage others.  In their presence, we feel refreshed; they freely offer praise, admiration, and genuine encouragement. When I am around encouragers, it makes me wonder, how are they so kind? Is it possible for all of us to become encouragers? What does the Bible say about encouragement?…

Are you wondering, how the Bible can change your life? How the word of God completely transforms you? When I was in grade school, I was part of a team that would memorize Bible verses for competition. The training involved sitting on my porch, eating Lemonhead candy while practicing Bible flash cards. I hate to…

Lately, my husband has become a weekend “tinkerer”. I thought he would appreciate having his tools near him on the carport, so he would not have to go in and out of our house. Also, his tools were taking up needed space in our already cramped utility room, so yes, a little selfish motivation on…

Most mornings I exercise on a path near my home and get to practice how to persevere when you feel like giving up! Occasionally, as I head out the door, a neighbor waves and says, “headed for a run, good for you!” It feels good to think people see me as a runner. I think…

Godly contentment brings a deep sense of satisfaction that affects every area of life. For a long time, contentment eluded me and I sought satisfaction along paths that led to dead ends. After placing my faith in Christ, a shift began in my spirit. I developed confidence, because of my trust in God, which led…

There are so many benefits of daily prayer it would be hard to list them all. Praying daily, writing in a journal, and enjoying the presence of God is now an important part of my routine. It was not always that way; when I was younger, I thought going to church once a week was…

When I was a little girl, my family attended church regularly and I loved it–feeling God near me, learning Bible verses, and embracing our faith community. I participated in children’s programs, attended camp, and was involved in Youth for Christ. I felt loved and secure in my identity in Christ. During this time, seeds of…

Living in southeastern Wisconsin, every winter I am reminded of the importance to learn to wait on God’s timing. How to Learn to Wait on God’s Timing Each year my big Mother’s Day gift is when my husband takes me on a shopping spree to pick out flowers for the hanging baskets in our entryway.…

In order to become generous we need to experience gratitude and appreciation.