Gaining a heart of wisdom
Prayer is hard work, and it is important work—perhaps the most important and impactful ministry to which God has called each of us. In prayer, we carry those we love into the presence of God. We stop our mad rush and acknowledge an occasion, a moment, a feeling, or a state of being. Our prayers… Continue reading The Gift Of Fresh Language For a Daily Practice of Prayer
Mothers have a sixth sense, a superpower for detecting discouragement in our children. Sometimes we pick up on a prolonged silence, a tone of voice, or even a topic they don't talk about. This all causes me to wonder what tipped off the Apostle Paul when he wrote to encourage his spiritual children in Ephesus.… Continue reading How to Pray Effectively for Your Discouraged Child
A studio upright sat by the door, but the small piano was truly the centerpiece of Helen's apartment. A widow transitioning from married to single, from missionary to retiree, she poured sadness out the tips of her fingers, and the wealth of words absorbed over seven decades found their way into melancholy melodies. Helen introduced… Continue reading Whatever Made You Think the Christian Life Would Be Easy?
I have a battered notebook that has been with me for so long that four of its pages date back to the birth of each of my sons. In this notebook, I write down the requests—big and small—that I bring to God. Help my kids to be wise and godly parents.Who gets my vote this… Continue reading Faith Sees as Good Whatever God Has Given
The nursery worker who met us at the door was beaming as she reported her Sunday morning observations. Apparently, our son had lined up all the chairs, assigned seats and roles to each child, and then presided over a “church service” right there in the nursery. “You’ve got a little leader there!” she pronounced. Ever blessed… Continue reading Raising a Leader: 3 Leadership Qualities Your Kids Need
We've all been subjected at one time or another to the cloying behavior of the people-pleaser. What used to be called a "goodie two shoes" is now the more dignified sounding "virtue signaler," but motive is unchanged by time. It's still a desire for approval, a need to gain attention for doing good. Jesus addressed… Continue reading What Is the Reward for Doing Good?
When I have visiting grandchildren on a Sunday morning, sometimes I get to sit with them in the church nursery. It's a break for their mother and a treat for me. On a Sunday morning nursery date with Ruthie, we had a packed house with every rocking chair occupied and mums sitting on the floor… Continue reading Prayers from a Mother’s Heart Because We’re All Mothers Together
Roots and wings are the gifts Christian parents pass on to our children. We establish rules, give them responsibilities that build confidence and skill, and water those deep roots with lots of love and prayer, knowing that strengthening wings will soon carry our children away from home, out of reach of our influence and our protection. In my prayers for the four young men who are so close to my heart, I’m taking my cues from the book of Philippians.
Whatever time in your family’s life feels like mud season to you, don’t let yourself get stuck! Turn your frustration and anxiety into arrow prayers, and remind your heart that there is no mess too big for God to clean up.
I never like disagreeing with Jesus. After all, he is the Son of God, so when he takes a position on something in Scripture, I am committed to agree. I want to see things his way. But what about his teaching on prayer in Matthew 21? He had just cursed a fig tree, and it… Continue reading When God Says No—The Good Gift of Unanswered Prayer
Living Our Days 