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
Tag: 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: Fear of the Flare
The beginning of the fear A shiver of fear ran down my spine as I heard the diagnosis from my rheumatologist a decade ago: “There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, only management.” Then he gave his prescription for the usual course of treatment, along with an extra medicine (prednisone) to be used for a … Continue reading Sharing: Fear of the Flare
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
The Heart of a Servant Leader
THE HEART OF A SERVANT LEADER Once upon a time, a servant leader stepped into my life. Even though I was only five years old and the leader was my first public school teacher, she impacted me so deeply that the years melt away when I think of those days. At a time when teachers were being … Continue reading The Heart of a Servant Leader
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
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