Jesus bears us upon his shoulders and holds us in His heart as He stands before the Father presenting us as a holy offering, a pure a spotless bride, making our requests and prayers known so that God may hear and answer according to His perfect will. We are not spotless and do not deserve this special treatment, but we have a Savior who gives us a grace we will never understand out of His amazing, unselfish love, which we do not have the ability to give nor comprehend. God is perfected love, and yes, He is good!

“I’m sorry.” How many times have we heard these words? How many times have we heard them leave our own lips? I’ve even written a song with that title! Apologies fly through the air with great frequency, and often as an automated response to realizing that our actions have caused a negative reaction, sometimes resulting in uncomfortable consequences. How flippant we can be in a half-hearted attempt to restore our own comfort. Recently I had a refresher course in the proper …

Isn’t that what the rest of the world demands of you? Fit in, conform, update; just be part of what everyone else is doing. You may dare to be different at your own risk. Rejection, mockery, ridicule, exclusion, or just plain being ignored are some of the risks you will take. The fear of being on the receiving end of these things is the most basic fear of not being loved. We all want to be loved. Those around you don’t know how to react when things are not “status quo.” They have …

Shopping is underway, even though the malls don't seem as busy this year. But still, the hustle and bustle to find the perfect gifts is apparent and the facial expressions of many are digressing into droopy jowled exhaustion. For all the effort, how much will it take to be "enough?" How much of what they received will the recipients of our gifts remember this time next year? How much will you yourself remember? God gives us personalized gifts every day of our life, and sometimes we …

We are reminded throughout scripture to give thanks in all circumstances, at all times, in all seasons, even when there are things going on around you that you are not thankful for. When we refer to scripture we find the bigger reasons to be thankful; the ones that, when our focus is lateral they are easily forgotten. In 1 Chronicles we are reminded to give thanks AND praise because He is good and His love for us endures forever. His love endures (undergoes hardship without giving in, with acceptance …

I've always loved to look at them. They are beautiful, and there are so many different colors and patterns. I even had a dream once that I was a butterfly and I flew across the ocean to a beautiful beach. Wow, what freedom I felt in that dream! The butterfly has often been used as a picture of the "new creation" we become when we accept Jesus as our Savior. I'd like to think that I have made the switch from being a lowly worm to a colorful creature who seems to dance through life on a …

Does everything happen in life at once? Or does it just seem that way at times? With several pressing projects needing attention, the crashing economy, stress and demands of life at home, and the holidays getting closer by the second...is it any wonder that our physical bodies would scream for solice. For me, half my face just decided to shut down. Six hours in the ER later, I have the diagnosis...Bell's Palsy. I was rejoicing that it wasn't a stroke and that I would get to go home. But, I have to say …

Lord, I stand in the midst of the storm and though the thunder makes my heart pound and the lightening makes me flinch, I stand...face to the heavens....as your rain showers me with mercy and grace and your Spirit strengthens me for another day. Lord I believe you are able and you are working, help me in my unbelief. Lord I want to be found as an oak of righteousness rooted in deep faith in You, please help my faithlessness. Lord I want to stand strong, unwavering, a true warrior of your kingdom, help …