Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” -Luke 1:28, NLT Merry Christmas! Whether this is truly a day of celebration or merely a day to endure, I think much is present to encourage. Both was the case on the first Christmas. It was not all singing angels and wonderfulness. … Continue reading “Mess? That’s the real Christmas.”
Category: Encouragement
God Can Relate
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. -Luke 2:7, KJV -Christmas upending expectations- The first Christmas did not go as smoothly as planned. I doubt either Joseph or Mary had planned to have … Continue reading “God Can Relate”
Mailbag: What does learning to embrace one’s quirkiness mean?
Dear DM, When you say you had to learn to love yourself quirkiness, introvertness and all – do you mean that you struggled with blaming yourself for your ex’s rejection? I’m 5 years out and have definitely been blessed by God since the divorce. I still have this anxiety about it having been my fault … Continue reading “Mailbag: What does learning to embrace one’s quirkiness mean?”
When most vulnerable…
Cheaters seem to thrive on cheating when their spouse is most vulnerable. This is yet another demonic pattern that I have noticed. The vulnerable time might take multiple forms: -Maybe the faithful spouse is in a fight for her life dealing with breast cancer? -Maybe it is a faithful husband who just was fired from … Continue reading “When most vulnerable…”
Just another day five years out…
Just another day five years out… I used to dread the anniversary of my divorce. But this year it came and passed without me noticing. It was just another day five years later. I was too busy with my new life to be bothered by what is now ancient history…so to speak. I share this … Continue reading “Just another day five years out…”
It does get better…
Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. -Isaiah 61:7a, NIV It gets better… When in the depths of the darkness, it is hard to imagine the pain ever ending. The thought of a life without the person who became one with you in … Continue reading “It does get better…”
Ode of Eeyore – Psalm 88
A favorite Psalm of mine is Psalm 88. I called it an “Ode of Eeyore” because this Psalm is dark. And I love that. It creates space for those of us who are experiencing the darkness. We don’t have to put on our “happy faces.” The author of Psalm 88 grants us permission to acknowledge … Continue reading “Ode of Eeyore – Psalm 88”
Give Thanks! Happy Thanksgiving!
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. -Psalm 136:1, NIV Even in the midst of great loss and tragedy, I believe it is even more important to give thanks to God. Satan wants to use the trials and traumas of this life to drive a wedge between us and our loving … Continue reading “Give Thanks! Happy Thanksgiving!”
Winners, Cheaters Are NOT!
So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright. -Genesis 25:33-34, NIV My integrity is not for sale!!! It is very precious to me. If I break my promise, this valuing … Continue reading “Winners, Cheaters Are NOT!”
When through fiery trials…
“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply. The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.” -“How Firm a Foundation” (Public Domain) Discovering a spouse’s infidelity certainly qualifies as a “fiery trial!” I love the following line about … Continue reading “When through fiery trials…”