The upcoming Independence Day holiday is all about fun, food, family, and celebrating America’s freedom from Britain. Here are five interesting facts about the U.S. flag you can share with your kids while waiting for the fireworks to start. History states the red, white, and blue colors of the U.S. flag represent valor (red), liberty and purity (white), and justice and loyalty (blue). There have been twenty-seven official versions of the American flag, each with a different number of stars. Of the six American flags that were planted on the moon, five of them are still standing. Which one isn’t?…
Category: Encouragement
This is our archive pageThe Heart of the Matter
This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 5:4b-5). She rested on her deathbed with saddened eyes and asked her clergyman, “How do I know if I’ve been good enough?” She had believed that Christ was the Son of God, trusted Him for salvation, confessed her hopelessness to absolve her sins, and given her life over to God. Yet, somewhere along the line, she held to a misconception that her good deeds, which were…
JOY! It’s All About Relationships
In Discovering Joy in Philippians, I share that the book of Philippians, while known as the book about JOY, is also full of great relationship information. We see Paul’s priority of relationships in Phil 1:3-6 I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Make a list of those…
Grateful for Life
On Mother’s Day morning we witnessed the baptism of our baby granddaughter in a wonderful service filled with praise and worship. Though I believe every new life is a miracle, we waited a long time for this baby girl since my daughter-in-law was told she would not be able to have children. It was a very special morning for our family. Later that afternoon, I received a call from my sister telling me that my ninety-seven-year-old mother would soon be entering heaven. I was a few states away and quickly booked a flight to my hometown. My mom’s funeral…
I Can’t Say “I Don’t Know”
I don’t like to not know. I don’t like to not have an answer or an opinion. Not knowing or not being able to reply makes me feel tense. And dare I say it? I feel stupid. What’s even sillier is that I will give an opinion even though I’m not sure I’m right—so that I can avoid saying, “I don’t know.” That’s pretty bad. Oh, my. So it was with interest I studied Zechariah 4:5. The prophet Zechariah had been shown a vision of a lamp stand and several other things. He asked what the items meant. “So…
Discovering Joy
I have found it is A LOT easier to DISCOVER JOY if you are looking for it! This summer, let’s go on a #JoyHunt But let all who take refuge in You be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And may You shelter them, That those who love Your name may exult in You. (Psalm 3:11) I created this Radiant Joy Praise sheet so those going through Discovering Joy in Philippians: A Creative Bible Study Experience — or anyone who wants more joy in their lives, can keep track of the goodness of God and the #JOYMoments He gives….
Words Matter
Words matter. Proverbs 15:4 says that words can heal, but they can also break a person’s spirit. Who hasn’t experienced both of these? I sure have! And in my latest novel, Katelyn’s Choice, my protagonist, Katelyn, does too. Thankfully, Katelyn has some faithful mentors who speak into her life and nudge her to change. Do you? Do you have those who are free to challenge your words, encourage you to speak truth and life, and nudge you to change when you need to? If you don’t, I’d like to encourage you to find that friend who is closer than a brother,…
Love and the Laid-down Life
“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Poignant words from the heart of Jesus, who would soon lay down his life for his friends. The words hold deep meaning for families who’ve lost loved ones in battle. They hold deep meaning for all of us who live in America, land of the free, home of the brave. We’re grateful for those who spilled blood on foreign soil, sacrificing their lives—the cost of freedom. Most of us will never find ourselves in treacherous war zones dodging enemy fire and…
God Can’t Use Frozen Feet
My friend locked her gaze on me. “What are you afraid of, Sarah?” Those words threw me for a loop. For years I’d written novels. For years I’d received rejection letters. I’d just told my friend about my tortuous road to publication when she slammed me with that question. Afraid? I wasn’t afraid. Oh yes, I was. I was afraid of another rejection. I was afraid I’d get published and disappoint my publisher and readers. I was afraid I’d misheard God’s voice and was on the wrong road altogether. The world is a scary place. Current events, illness, and family…
For Support and Balance, Lean on God
Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it (Ezra 10:4). After surgery, I could only put “big toe” weight on my right leg for a month. That meant my left leg, supported by a walker, had to bear the load. In order to keep me from ending up with one weak, puny leg and one buffed one, I have non-load bearing PT exercises for the right one. Why only big-toe weight? Our big toes are big for a reason. Our bodies use them to balance. Ever watch a ballerina “on toe”? It…
