• Nov. 3rd, 2011 Thoughtful Thursday ~ Forever Thankful

    I plan to spend November sharing a random assortment of things I am thankful for. Today, I want to tell you a little story. Once upon a time, there was a girl whose parents insisted she go to bed at a reasonable hour, even though she wasn’t sleepy. So she would dream up elaborate stories to [ read more ]

  • Oct. 31st, 2011 31 Days :: Day 31 ~ Are you ready for some action?

    As we wrap up our 31 day journey, I want to leave you with the words of my favorite disciple . I Peter 1:13 ~ Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (ESV) What the ESV translates [ read more ]

  • Oct. 30th, 2011 31 Days :: Day 30 ~ How do you know?

    Psalm 46:10a ~ Be still, and know that I am God. (ESV) The Hebrew word translated here as “be still” is “raphah” and oh how I love the meaning…it means “sink, relax.” So today, sink into Him. Relax into His embrace. Know that He is God. And be renewed.

  • Oct. 29th, 2011 31 Days :: Day 29 ~ Does it do any good?

    Mark 12:29-31 ~ Jesus answered, The most important is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor [ read more ]

  • Oct. 28th, 2011 31 Days :: Day 28 ~ Does it matter?

    Mark 12:30 ~ And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. (ESV) We’ve come to our final weekend of focusing on renewing. It’s been a fun journey for me. I hope it has been for you [ read more ]

  • Oct. 27th, 2011 31 Days :: Day 27 ~ Does your imagination need a reality check?

    Isaiah 26:3 ~ You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. (ESV) Yesterday we unpacked some tough stuff. It won’t be much easier today. Sorry. Please understand that there is nothing I’ve written about in the past month that I feel I have a handle on. And [ read more ]

  • Oct. 26th, 2011 31 Days :: Day 26 ~ Do you long for peace?

    Isaiah 26:3 ~ You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. (ESV) Today, we are diving into the Old Testament for a look at one of my favorite verses. And one that makes a tantalizing promise . . . one I sometimes feel is virtually unattainable. [ read more ]

  • Oct. 25th, 2011 31 Days :: Day 25 ~ Is there anything worthy of praise?

    Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ~ Philippians 4:8 (ESV) We’ve spent the past several weeks taking this verse apart, almost word for word. Have you noticed how the ideas [ read more ]

  • Oct. 24th, 2011 31 Days :: Day 24 ~ Need a little tweaking?

    If there is any excellence . . . think about these things. Phil. 4:8 (ESV) The Greek word for excellence is “arete” and it is most often defined as “virtuous thoughts feelings, actions; moral excellence and purity.“ My first reaction, when I hear “excellence” is to think of the best of something. The people and things [ read more ]

  • Oct. 23rd, 2011 31 Days :: Day 23 ~ What do they represent?

    Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 (ESV) On this beautiful Sunday, take a moment to look at these photos as you reflect on [ read more ]