Mr. Pickles, the cat I am sure having Mr. Pickles, my cat, greatly helped my sanity. He made my apartment a home. I was able to come back to a living creature who actually was excited to see me. Unlike the bad reputation often given to cats, this cat actually waited for me at … Continue reading “Having a cat helped!”
Category: Encouragement
Glad God Said, “No.”
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that [works] in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. – Ephesians 3:20-21, KJV (change mine) DM family after Mrs. DM crushed the Twin … Continue reading “Glad God Said, “No.””
True Friends Bear The Empathetic Costs
“Let Me Show You the Way” is an old but favorite song from Michael W. Smith. He really captures the heart of true friendship. This song by MWS speaks to what I believe is a human longing. It is a longing for a good friend who loves at a deep, heart-level. These are the friends … Continue reading “True Friends Bear The Empathetic Costs”
The Wicked Prosper
“Why do the wicked prosper, growing old and powerful? They live to see their children grow up and settle down, and they enjoy their grandchildren. Their homes are safe from every fear, and God does not punish them.” -Job 21:7-9, NLT This lament of Job is comforting. It is comforting in as it exists in … Continue reading “The Wicked Prosper”
Another Song of Encouragement
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. – Hebrews 11:6, KJV We were singing this song in church today. The lyrics struck me as good reminders for those who find … Continue reading “Another Song of Encouragement”
Major Catholic Church Development Regarding Annulments and Adultery
Big News Reported On CNN: “Pope Francis makes annulment of marriages cheaper and easier” by Delia Gallagher and Daniel Burke (click on article title above for link) I am not Catholic. My understanding of marriage is more in line with Protestantism, of course. I am an evangelical and a Lutheran minister, after all. In my … Continue reading “Major Catholic Church Development Regarding Annulments and Adultery”
Remember Who Is Our God
I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me. In my distress I called upon the … Continue reading “Remember Who Is Our God”
Personal Growth Versus Accepting Blame
And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. – Mark 7:20-23, KJV, (emphasis mine) … Continue reading “Personal Growth Versus Accepting Blame”
Testify!
Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy! Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert. Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. -Psalm 126:3-5, NLT Sometimes it is impossible to see through the tears. You feel like you have planted a whole NATION of fields with your tears and … Continue reading “Testify!”
Make Friends With YOURSELF!
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. -Psalm 139:14, KJV It was a day in the winter of 2013. That day I awoke to the realization that I actually liked myself. I was not full of self-loathing. No longer did I feel … Continue reading “Make Friends With YOURSELF!”