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My quiet time with God has not felt right lately. I open my devotional and my thoughts drift away from the Lord. Things I want to (and need to) finish that day crowd my mind. I feel distant from Jesus and go through the motions while praying and reading my Bible. Romans 8:38-39 is, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” HolyRead More →

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I am a Christian, but I am not perfect. Sometimes, I choose to disobey God. Other times, I fall short in following the Lord’s will for my life. There is nothing I can do to remove my sins. The penalty I should face is for my sins is death. This Easter, I see Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross as personal. He died to save me, Carol Chapman. Romans 5:8 is, “But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” Holy Bible, Christian Standard Bible, 2017 Jesus loved me (and everyone in the world) enough toRead More →

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I went on a trip for Spring Break. I fell and injured my arm while hiking. Our return flight was delayed and later cancelled. Since we tried switching flights, our luggage made it back home to Texas while we were stuck at the Atlanta airport. My emotions controlled me that day and night. I wanted to be home and felt angry, sad, and exhausted. John 16:33 is, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” Holy Bible, Christian Standard Bible, 2017 Troubles follow me throughoutRead More →

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I have “food noise” constantly in my brain. Thoughts about food pop into my mind throughout the day. I worry about food that will be served when I go to someone’s house or to a restaurant. Sometimes I obsessively plan what I will eat to stay on track. When I continually think about food, I am distracted and tempted to overeat. Luke 12:29 is, “Don’t strive for what you should eat and what you should drink, and don’t be anxious. Holy Bible, Christian Standard Bible, 2017 Jesus teaches us not to worry but to trust in Him. These uncontrollable thoughts about food in my mindRead More →

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I have tried to lose weight and eat healthy for a long time. I look in the mirror and don’t like what I see. Maybe the snacking I do in the evening is adding up. It could also be that I end up eating too much or the wrong thing when I eat out. I realize I need to keep going and lean more into Christ for strength instead of giving up. Philippians 3:14 is, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Holy Bible, English Standard Version, 2001 God has more planned for meRead More →

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I sometimes want to eat “treats” I normally don’t eat, like candy. In the past, I would think “It’s just this one time, so I can enjoy.” If I was eating chips and salsa, I would continue eating until the basket was empty. Once I overdid it, I gave up on my food plan and kept eating. I need a strategy so I can enjoy deserts occasionally without overeating. Proverbs 25:16 is, “Do you like honey? Don’t eat too much, or it will make you sick!” Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015 God gave me all foods for nourishment and enjoyment! The Lord is slowlyRead More →

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The biggest and scariest winter storm of the season passed through my state. I was terrified of losing power in our all electric home. We lost power for 36 hours in a storm last spring and the thought of no electricity during Arctic temperatures scared me. I prepared for losing power by dreading how uncomfortable it would be. My prayers were “God please keep our power on” instead of, “Lord, help us to manage if we lose power.” Psalm 46:10 is, “…Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Holy Bible,Read More →

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I love food. For most of my life, I ate too much and was overweight. I just got back from a cruise with endless food buffets and all inclusive dining. My eating was good at first, but later into this trip, I ate food my body did not need. I felt bloated and my stomach hurt. Since I got out of my normal habits, it has been harder to eat only what my body needs. I had lost 10 pounds, but feel like I gained it all back. 1 Corinthians 10:31 is, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it allRead More →

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My December has been stuffed full of parties and Christmas events. I was busy shopping, baking, and cleaning to prepare for all the celebrations. It is easy for me to get caught up in the holiday bustle and forget the reason for the season. Luke 2:11 is, “Today, a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the City of David” Holy Bible, Holman Christian Standard Bible, 2009 Jesus was born for me! He came to save me from sin and to guide me in this life. This is the reason to celebrate! When I think of everything Jesus has blessed meRead More →

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If worrying was an Olympic event, I would have several medals. I know worry does nothing to help me. When things are peaceful, I find something to worry about. The root of my anxiety is that I want my way. I need to be in control and don’t trust the Lord. Matthew 6:27 is, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015 When I trust in God, I can face anything. The mighty creator who can part waters, also cares for me. I can turn it around by changing my “worry list” into a prayer list.Read More →