Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. -I Thessalonians 5:18, NLT Why would the author of I Thessalonians command us to be thankful unless this was something we have to choose to do? The temptation is to allow life’s circumstances to dictate the spiritual climate of our … Continue reading “Spiritual Discipline of Giving Thanks”
Category: Encouragement
Hope Quote
I ran across this quote attributed to Augustine the other day as I was reading a book about dealing with serial bullies (Free Us From Bullying: Real Solutions Beyond Being Nice by Paul Coughlin). This quote struck me as very applicable to situations dealing with a cheater. These two things are good and “beautiful daughters” … Continue reading “Hope Quote”
Find a winner and ditch the loser
Today wasn’t my day at the meet. I missed each of three attempts at 335kgs (738lbs). But I was REALLY close to completing the lift on my third attempt. It happens in this sport. That said, my amazing wife packed up our kiddo and exchange student to drive down three and half hours to see … Continue reading “Find a winner and ditch the loser”
It’s my birthday! Yay!!!
Today marks another year alive on this earth for me.* I am so grateful for the gifts that have come with the years! God has blessed me richly. Life is such a precious gift. I am so grateful for the gifts this life continues to shower upon me. I get to be Mrs. DM’s husband, … Continue reading “It’s my birthday! Yay!!!”
I persist in posting…
But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones.” -Jeremiah 20:9a, NIV I have been blogging now for over a decade. At times, I have considered shutting down this ministry. However, I … Continue reading “I persist in posting…”
A father’s love
See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! -I John 3:1a, NLT Do we believe this about how the Father views us? I believe this is the fundamental question for spiritual health. When I struggle with fear or worth issues, I usually am … Continue reading “A father’s love”
Not even one sparrow
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. -Matthew 10:29, NIV I am a parrot owner. This is a somewhat recent development in my life. I learned of Mrs. DM’s love of birds after we were married for a couple of … Continue reading “Not even one sparrow”
Walking in faith is hard!
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. -Hebrews 11:1, NASB Walking by faith is not easy. I think this is part of the reason doing so is so pleasing to God (Hebrews 11:6). He understands this is hard way to go. It takes discipline. -We have to discipline our spiritual senses to … Continue reading “Walking in faith is hard!”
Guarding Gratitude
Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” – Genesis 3:1, NIV As a hospice chaplain*, I see many different sorts of people on a daily basis. Often times, my … Continue reading “Guarding Gratitude”
Tragedy and Gratitude
So the Lord blessed Job in the second half of his life even more than in the beginning. -Job 42:12a, NLT One of the biggest tragedies is the utter waste Cheaters create through their dastardly discard of us, faithful spouses. Just when we might be able to taste the fruit of sacrifice, Cheaters pull out the rug … Continue reading “Tragedy and Gratitude”