How Gratitude Reduces Depression
In last week’s post, I shared something about my struggles with depression. I wish I could say that every time I became depressed, I recovered totally and instantly. With no effort on my part. It’s simply untrue. Sometimes, I hang out with ‘Friend’ depression for quite a while before I can shake her off. Expressing […]
Depression: A Diagnosis, Not An Indictment
“I think you are depressed,” my doctor said. “You need to see a counselor.” “NO!” I wanted to scream. My body stiffened. I felt indignant but managed to keep my cool. A month later, when I saw her about another problem, she again asked me to consider seeing a counselor. I agreed to let her […]
Who and Who Not to Fear
Oh, how easy it is for me to become overconcerned about the opinion of others. To fear human power rather than trust in the security of God’s love for me. Especially if I sense shame or physical danger. As I watch the war in Ukraine progress and see the courage of people there, particularly President […]
Everything Here is Passing Away
A few years ago, I went back to the farm where I lived as a teenager. The house was gone. The only thing that remained was this dilapidated barn. I cried. Recently, I located on a Google map the house where two of my grandparents lived. My grandmothers’ well-kept lawn was nothing but mud. Broken […]
It Won’t Happen Here
“Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil,” was a common expression I heard while growing up. It referred to hearing, seeing, and speaking of the best in people. This is certainly commendable, but this phrase can also be used to avoid seeing, hearing, and speaking about that which is dangerous and destructive. In […]
Does God Love Me When I Doubt?
Coming to believe in the depth of our hearts that God loves us is easier for some people than for others. For many, it’s a life-long struggle. I’m one of those people. That’s because of lies I believed. Lies about God. Lies about myself. Lies about what faith is. Gradually, God has been showing me […]
Winds of Fear or Wings of Grace
I look at the thermometer. It reads 45°. To my husband I say, “A good day to go for a walk.” “There’s a cold wind.” he responds. You might want to step out the garage door and check it.” “Oh, I don’t think I’ll go. I’ll walk inside.” After a few minutes, I look out […]
Don’t Let Indecision Paralze you.
This morning I read the Old Testament story of Elijah confronting the indecisive people of his day. One word stunned me. Paralyzed. Someone who is paralyzed goes nowhere. Someone who refuses to make a decision goes nowhere. I never thought my indecisiveness was too serious. I never thought about how it keeps me stuck. What […]
Good came down at Christmas
A CHRISTMAS PRAYER Thank you, Father, for your grace, Shown to me in countless ways— Favor, truly undeserved, Full acceptance, unreserved; Forgiveness, free and complete, Though, my errors, I still repeat; Your help in every trouble, Your mercy when I stumble. With a heart of gratitude, I worship you. You are good— God of Truth […]
God is for us no-matter-what
God is for us no-matter-what When hard things put you on pause, View your blessings, not your loss. It may not be due to flaws; Listen and you’ll know the cause. God is for you no-matter-what. Don’t let your heart dwell on doubt; If you do, you’ll suffer drought. Rise each morning with a shout. […]