GOD IS MY LIGHT AND STRONGHOLDThe LORD is my light and my salvation–whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life–of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)I was shut up in my dark room, waiting for the waves of the flare to lift. Oh, how I had tried to keep my … Continue reading Sharing: The Lord is the Stronghold of my Life
Category: Chronic Joy Ministry
Sharing: A Lifetime of Trauma
HAUNTED BY PAST TRAUMA I grew up with a mother who was plagued with constant illnesses—and in a faith tradition that put a heavy emphasis on divine healing. Miraculously, my mother was healed from several illnesses, but new ones would invariably take their place. I remember asking the adults who attended the healing services, “What about … Continue reading Sharing: A Lifetime of Trauma
Sharing: A Hymn Becomes a Lifelong Prayer
HE LEADETH ME My seven-year-old self practiced the song with the hymn book my mother had given me. I knew my older brother would be home from college soon. Wouldn’t he be proud to see me singing along with the words at church the following Sunday? I could not have known how firmly those words … Continue reading Sharing: A Hymn Becomes a Lifelong Prayer
Sharing: Prayer Walking
These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 Left, right … left, right … I remember the gravel crunching … Continue reading Sharing: Prayer Walking
Sharing: “Abiding in Him”
I am so thankful and blessed to share with you my dear friend Cheryl's website Homespun Devotions and the beautiful review of our book she offered this week. Homespun Devotions She is also hosting a giveaway there, so if you are interested in being entered for a chance to win a free copy of our … Continue reading Sharing: “Abiding in Him”
A Continuing Story: Abiding in Him
Many have asked me if there is a significant meaning in the cover photo of our new book. My answer has been yes, but once again it's a story begging to be told. ☺️ In answer to those who have asked, here today is another gift of God's choosing . . . ~~~~~~ I was … Continue reading A Continuing Story: Abiding in Him
A Surprise: “Abiding in Him”
The swelling had begun in earnest as the tears rolled down my puffy cheeks. Another medication reaction from a medicine that was not supposed to cause reactions. Surely, God, You saw ahead of time that this would happen? ... It was the launch week of our new book, after all! Just days before the reaction, … Continue reading A Surprise: “Abiding in Him”
Sharing: I Take You, A Beautiful Gift of Marriage Hope
Love is patient, love is kind. 1 Corinthians 13:4a I TAKE YOU: A DREADED PHONE CALL As I held the phone in my hands, I knew that it was time to make another hard call. It had been over a year since I had spoken with my family friend and counselor. She had helped me through … Continue reading Sharing: I Take You, A Beautiful Gift of Marriage Hope
Sharing: Psalms as Prayers and Songs
Awake, my soul!Awake, harp and lyre!I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;I will sing of you among the peoples. Psalm 57:8-9 NIV POETRY AND MUSIC OF THE PSALMS I paused as I read the poetry and let the music of God’s verse seep down deep into my soul. The … Continue reading Sharing: Psalms as Prayers and Songs
Sharing: Finding God’s Upholding Strength
God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.Psalm 46:1 The silence echoed throughout the house as I felt the aloneness that I knew would be coming. My husband was in post-surgery recovery at our oldest son’s home, and our daughter had finally agreed with my urging that I would be fine … Continue reading Sharing: Finding God’s Upholding Strength
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