Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good…. Acadia National Park here we come! Our kids agreed to vacation with us in celebration of our 50th wedding anniversary. So off to one of our favorite spots when they were young—Maine’s rocky Continue Reading…
Psalm 100:1-2 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Julian of Norwich wrote, “The greatest honor we can give to the Almighty God is to live gladly because of the knowledge of his love.” Her words both convict and inspire me. Continue Reading…
James 5:16 “…The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” “I grew up in a home where my parents would typically brush us children aside when they were involved in an activity.” This is how my friend began her story. She said her father almost never allowed them Continue Reading…
Luke 15:7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. I thought of the scripture about how the birth of a new believer triggers widespread joy in heaven. Of course, I was holding my Continue Reading…
Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” The first thing I learned when I went to graduate school at the University of Colorado could be summed up in four words: Learn. Continue Reading…
2 Corinthians 1:9 “Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.” What does hopelessness feel like to you? I’m sure you’ve been there. Every source of security—gone. All the legs supporting Continue Reading…
Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified…for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” I dreamed Ray and I were in a kayak floating down a stream when a shark surfaced. He kept bumping our boat, consistently Continue Reading…
2 Chronicles 30:22-23 “…For the seven days they ate their assigned portion and offered fellowship offerings and praised the Lord, the God of their ancestors. The whole assembly then agreed to celebrate the festival seven more days; so for another seven days they celebrated joyfully.” Have you ever heard the term “party like Continue Reading…
Ecclesiastes 3:12 “I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.” Today I will be happier than a bird with a french fry. Maybe you’ve seen that slogan. My daughter has a print of it hanging in her house. Continue Reading…
Ecclesiastes 9:7-8 “Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do. Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil.” I hate to admit it, but I think I’m more of a see the glass “half-empty” person than Continue Reading…