“These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another, render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace; do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath, for all these things I hate,” declares the Lord. Zechariah 8:16-17 Anyone but me love a good checklist? Every day I make a list of what needs to be done and I love being able to draw a line through completed items or check the box by my accomplishments. {Sometimes I even add ... [Read More]

Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6 Confession: Sometimes I suffer from an affliction called “Just let me do it myself-itis.” I load the dishwasher and do the laundry and make the bed because no one else does it “right.” I agree to lead a committee or take charge of an event so I can make sure everything gets done. I’m not great at delegating and I tend to follow behind people ... [Read More]

Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. Haggai 1:7 Do you ever stop and think about why you do the things you do? Not just the big things but little ones as well. I don’t know about you, but I have some habits and mannerisms that drive Scott crazy. For example, eye rolling. Apparently I roll my eyes … a lot. And it isn’t his favorite. Time and again he’d mention how much he hated when I did it and often I’d respond that I didn’t even realize I had. Truth, y’all — eye rolling had ... [Read More]

Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, who do His just commands. Zephaniah 2:3 Sheep are not known for their intelligence. In fact, as far as animals go, they are probably among the least smart. Without the shepherd, they’d never survive. The Psalmist wrote, “we are the sheep of Your pasture” and “The Lord is my shepherd.” Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd.” It’s easy to think we’ve got it under control and make our plans for the life we want. We can so quickly forget how much we need ... [Read More]

Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the product of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. Habbakuk 3:17-18 Ever wonder where the path is leading you in life? I confess I do.  So often I wish I could see the future and know how it all ends. Oh, I know the story ultimately ends with eternity in Christ. But I ... [Read More]

The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him. Nahum 1:7 Scott and I have been honored to know many senior adults. Much of his ministry has been devoted to encouraging and investing in these older members of the church.  One of our favorite couples when we lived in Georgia was Mr. Jack and Mrs. Louise. Mr. Jack was full of life and loved Scott like a son. And Mrs. Louise was a gracious and wise mentor in my life. They traveled with us on a ... [Read More]