Nothing can rob a home of happiness more than unresolved anger and constant quarrels. Over and over, the Bible warns against this. The Book of Proverbs is filled with admonitions against strife, as are the New Testament letters of Paul, Peter, and James. But once quarrels start, they are difficult to stop. My parents were […]
Read More →Scripture: “Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many” (Hebrews 12:15 NLT). As a kid growing up in the Oklahoma Panhandle, I became very familiar with the dry, thorny tumbleweeds that blocked fences, roads, and empty buildings. The “Russian thistle,” a green, thirsty bush, absorbs many liters of […]
Read More →One of the benefits of keeping a journal is to be able to look back and see progress (or lack thereof) toward my goals. I searched my entry for January 1, 2016, and found some excellent resolutions (from “Board of Wisdom—Ten Ways to Love).” Listen without interrupting (Proverbs 18). Speak without accusing (James 1:19). Give without sparing (Proverbs […]
Read More →Being still at Christmas seems an oxymoron. But since I determined to celebrate this festival as a God-ordained time of refreshment, I notice a new quiet in my spirit. My thoughts no longer are rampant with undone chores. I no longer feel the need to fill silent moments with talk of mundane things. I can […]
Read More →Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27 KJV). The Christmas season has arrived, and it’s time to put aside my customary work and enter into the celebration with my whole heart. I must […]
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