Category: Uncategorized

What’s A Guy To Do?

Have you ever questioned what to do?

Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months then she returned home. I know God’s word is complete, forgive me for saying this, but I want more details! What happened upon her return? Did Joseph get a glimpse of her baby bump? Did she tell Joseph all that had happened? “You’re not going to believe this!”

Joseph’s world was turned upside down. Mary his betrothed was pregnant! Jewish Betrothal was more like modern day marriage. The relationship was legally binding but no marriage ceremony or physical intimacy had yet taken place. Divorce would be necessary to break the covenant and stoning was the punishment for what appeared to Joseph as adultery. What would Joseph do?

Luke gives us quite the introduction to Zechariah and Elizabeth!

⁶Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. ⁷But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.

Luke 1: 6-7 (NIV)

Our bellies were full from our Thanksgiving feast and before the dishes were cleared we jumped right into the discussions and planning of Christmas. Every year I’m tempted to allow the busyness of the season to distract me from fully celebrating the real meaning of Christmas – the birth of Christ.

Walk Through the Open Door

I have been praying for an open door in a specific area of my life. So when I read what Paul wrote in his letter to the church in Corinth it really stood out to me: “For a great and effective door has opened to me…” 1 Corinthians 16:9a

I like Paul’s description of his opened door: “great and effective.”

Effective, energes (en-er-gace); Strong’s # 1756: Comparable in meaning to the English word “energetic,” which stems from this word. Energes…denotes something at work, active, and effective. It is the opposite of argos, “idle,” “inactive,” “ineffective.”₁

This sounds like a door we would want to run through. We often think when the door opens we will make an entrance and all will be well. However, along with this opened door Paul said “…And there are many adversaries.” 1 Corinthians 16:9b

Wait a minute! There are many adversaries?

Best Pancakes in Nashville worth the Wait?

A unique end to another trip to Nashville! We hugged our family goodbye including our almost 38-week pregnant daughter anticipating the birth of our 3^rd grandbaby.

On our way out of town, feeling a bit blue from the tearful goodbye, I had a desire to do something touristy! Do you want to know what we did?

Full Parking Lot, Full Heart!

Everyone should go to church late – occasionally. This morning we pulled into the church parking lot much later than normal. Almost every spot was taken. It was like Christmas at the mall with cars cruising the lot in search of the few available openings. Two cars approaching, each questioning who will get there first. But since it was a church, there was hope that the other driver may be more spiritually mature. Perhaps they would love their neighbor as self.

Painted Rock

What an eventful picnic at the park! Alone with two grandkids for the weekend with no parents. Titus (2-year-old grandson) threw up after a fast pace merry go round ride (“go faster papa”) was too soon after our picnic lunch! I’ve never seen mommas grab their kids and flee so fast.

Mountaintop Experience!

We relived our ride on the chair lift but mom wouldn’t let me sit on her lap!

My family traveled to town to join me in celebrating my 50th birthday. Yes, I’m 50! We visited the Natural Bridge State Park and enjoyed the beautiful views of the Red River Gorge and embraced the sandstone rock bridge called the Natural Bridge.

No other gods!

My husband’s unconditional love (most of the time) and his servants’ heart are incredible gifts. And I could fill your ears with the things I love about my children. Don’t even get me started about my adorable grandchildren, Naomi & Titus. Can this grandmother show you some pictures!

It is true, I am blessed and many of you could agree God has blessed you beyond measure. The Giver is greater than the gift! God’s blessings were never meant to fill the role of god in our lives. Only God Himself can fill that role!

Alarmed Prayer!

Most of us have experienced a ringing phone at an awkward moment. We usually scramble to silence the ring as quickly as possible.

As I was speaking at a Women’s Retreat a phone went off in the auditorium. I continued speaking assuming it would quickly be silenced. Then I realized it wasn’t just one phone, it was multiple phones throughout the room.