Life happens and things work out differently from how I want. Sometimes, I can trust God and believe He will make something good come from pain. I find it easier to turn the “big deals” of life over to God. Small issues throw me off track. Traffic I had not planned on makes me late. I cannot find the bill I put in a special place. I get tired, and don’t want to do what God has called me to do. Exodus 15:2 is, “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God and I will praiseRead More →

Distractions ruin my good intentions. Last summer, God nudged me to pick up my manuscript and complete it. He was guiding me through the final edit. I got busy during the fall and took a break. It has sat untouched for all these months. Minor illnesses mess up my eating goals. This past week, I was sick and my stomach hurt. When I feel bad, I am tempted to snack all day. When I eat too much, I feel like giving up on my goals. 1 John 4:4 is, “But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over thoseRead More →

February 14 is a day set aside to celebrate love. The world has twisted “love” to mean lust. This love comes with conditions that must be kept to keep it going. In the past, I was in love with the chocolate I got for Valentines Day. I searched the world for love. Later, I learned that only God’s love is pure and infinite. 1 John 2:15 is, “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.” (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015). I have experienced God’sRead More →

No matter what life throws my way, I can trust in God’s strength to lift me up. My husband lost his job earlier this month. I know God uses these “valleys” to help us depend fully on Him. I also know to fully trust God instead of worrying about the future. It is easier to indulge in worry and food instead of leaning on Him. Exodus 15:2 is, “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise Him – my father’s God, and I will exalt him! (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015).Read More →

After living over 50 years, I finally realize my life will never be trouble-free.  Usually, I have long enough to rest after resolving one issue before running into another problem. Most of my troubles are minor annoyances.  I get overwhelmed when I have to deal with several minor issues at one time.  I get tired of finding time to handle these trials, no matter how big or small.  I want a vacation from stress. Jesus never promised us a trouble-free life. John 16:33 is, “I (Jesus) have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will haveRead More →

I become my worst enemy when I think negative thoughts. I feel like I will never succeed. I stuff food down to soothe these feelings. Since I overate again, I feel like a failure that does not deserve to lose weight. I see my mistakes, but God sees me walking away from bondage. I need faith that God has delivered me and continues to guide me. Matthew 21:21 is, “Then Jesus told them, ‘I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and so much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you beRead More →

I don’t start each new year with resolutions. Instead, I make goals throughout the year. In 2018, I decided to finish my book. Today, I am almost halfway done with this project. My first thought is, “I have failed.” The truth is I am closer to finishing this book than I was a year ago. Instead of dwelling on where I fall short, God gives me strength to finish any goal He helps me to set. Jeremiah 29:11 is, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘These are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a futureRead More →

I cram as much holiday cheer into December as I can. We had two parties last weekend and several more this week. My goal to create matching stockings did not happen this year.  I quit looking at Christmas Pinterest boards because I am done stressing over perfection. I spend too much money and time shopping for that perfect gift. On top on holiday stress, my everyday struggles threaten to rob my Christmas joy. God’s strength carries me through any trial I face.  Isaiah 40:29 is, “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.” (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015).  His power isRead More →

I feel more prepared for Christmas than I have in years past. My house is decorated both inside and out.  As I read my Advent devotional this morning, I finally get that I need the time before Christmas to prepare my heart for God. Normally, I spend the month of December rushing around, trying to decorate, buy gifts, plus go to parties. I stress and forget why I am celebrating. Isaiah 40:3 is, “Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, ‘Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord!  Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!’” (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2915).  IRead More →