Do you have something that you hope for? It might be for yourself, for someone you care about, or both. I do. I’m not ready to spread them out here (yes, I have more than one), but I would like to share with you a way to wait.
It doesn’t have to be something you’ve hoped for a long time, ...
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The Best Response To What We See
It was my turn at the post office counter. I approached and slid my change of address forms under the plexi-glass wall between the postal worker and me.
"You need to re-do this," and he slid the forms back to me."I called yesterday, and this is what I was told to do.""Well, whoever you spoke ...
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The Best Way to Prepare for Anything
How do you prepare—for anything?
My prep pattern for years included thinking the matter through too many times, lists, and maybe asking God to help me with my preparation. I assured myself that I was prepared with thoughts like, I’ve done all I can do or I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.
Then one ...
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Make the Most of the Meanwhile
I love to hear a good story unfold. You know, the kind that has twists and turns of intense challenge, confounding waits, or overwhelming odds with phrases like,
“She did not realize that during those two years…”“That experience was the quiet catalyst for…”“If that had not happened, she would ...
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Growing Strong Through the Hard Days
Do you ever feel like, This is about to do me in?
Whether it’s a day or a season, a person or a circumstance, the hard stuff can really do a number on us. It may involve our own life, the life of someone we care about, hard issues that are playing out in our country or the world—or all of ...
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The Impact A Few Minutes Can Make
When I arrived at the grocery store, the parking lot was mostly empty. An older gentleman stood outside near the door holding a tied plastic grocery bag with two hands. He smiled warmly, and I smiled back and said, "Good morning, how are you?!"
He answered, smiling broadly again, "Oh, I’m ...
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When We Don’t Know What To Do
I don’t know what to do!
We say it or someone says it to us. The punctuation marks the depth of our exasperation, fear, stress, discouragement, or confusion.
Should I break up with him? Is it time to look for a new job? Am I supposed to confront her?
You and I are not supposed to ...
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Take Time to Give Words That Matter
A friend sent this card to me several months ago. She's a mom with 3 little children, but she took time to share some kind words. (not to mention find a stamp and then actually get the card to the post office).
Why do I still have it? Her words spoke encouragement.
"Therefore encourage one ...
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Dealing With Regret
Recently, a friend shared how burdened she is with regret in a particular relationship. She worried that a friend would forever be wounded by how she treated her and doubted whether she could ever forgive herself. Have you ever felt like that? I think most of us have.
Today I thought ...
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The Power of Being Thankful to God
Not too long ago, I felt stuck. Sometimes it's an emotional stuck—I don't feel like I'm growing forward or I can't seem to move forward regarding my view about a relationship, a change, a circumstance, or a decision. Other times it's mental or physical—I can't seem to decide what step to take or to ...
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Beautiful You
When I go to a wedding, my favorite moment is when the groom sees his bride before she walks up the aisle to him. Sometimes his eyes brim with tears, or he works to manage emotions bursting inside him, or he takes a deep breath that seems to convey his overwhelm by this gift that is slowly ...
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Where Has God Brought You, Today?
I stood among 700 women I'd never met, smiling on the outside and second-guessing on the inside whether I should be here. Then the ballroom lights dimmed, the worship band began, and as if on cue after the first verse, tears streamed down my face. I wasn't sad but overcome with gratitude to God. I ...
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