How many times have you called your child into your arms for comfort when he skinned a knee, got a poor grade because he failed to study, or was hurt by the careless words of a friend? You loved him first, then tenderly walked through the problem with him, sometimes helping him see that different choices might be less painful next time.

All too often in our lives, we try to do things by our own strength and in accordance with our own desires.  We say we want to live Christ-centered lives, yet there are pockets of sin that we refuse to yield to Him.

All too often in our lives, we try to do things by our own strength and in accordance with our own desires.  We say we want to live Christ-centered lives, yet there are pockets of sin that we refuse to yield to Him.

In Mark 6:45-52 we read the familiar story of Jesus walking on the water.  The disciples were in the middle of the Sea of Galilee, rowing for their lives in a raging storm.

Next week, I’ll take my daughter to driver’s ed.  Ugh!  She will spend 30 hours in a classroom learning the rules of the road contained in a 100 something page booklet. 

One of my favorite choruses is, "Oh Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" I first came to like it as a child because it was easy to remember and to sing. As a parent it was an easy chorus to hum to quiet a fretful child late at night.

After the Israelites miraculously crossed the Jordan River and were ready to fight to claim the Promised Land, God commanded that the uncircumcised males born during the 40 years of wilderness wandering be circumcised.

As I read these two chapters from Jude, I am reminded of a poem called “Michael”, written by William Wordsworth.  In the poem, there is one line that is considered to be one of the saddest lines in English literature.

Each night before bed, my husband goes on a little safari. At least that is what the kids and I call it. Armed with our fluffy guard dog, a can of wasp spray, and a flashlight, he circles our yard securing the perimeter.

In Ephesians 4 we’re entreated to walk in a manner worthy of our calling...with all humility, gentleness, and patience, forbearing with one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

I finally lost those few pounds that have been hanging around since Thanksgiving.  It wasn’t really that hard – just a matter of saying “no” a few times when I really wanted another slice of pizza or 14 cookies! Why do I always let this happen?

Remember that time when it felt like we were careening through the dark at break neck speed with strangers screaming all around us and lights were flashing with alarms blaring? And, we were laughing. At least I was laughing.

You know that awkward pause that happens during social gatherings? It’s like every conversation stops at the same instant, creating a noticeable silence. Someone usually comments on the quiet. I read somewhere that on average such a break happens every seven minutes or so. You’d think we’d get used to the pauses, but we comment anyway. It makes me wonder if we’ve grown uncomfortable with silence.

It meant a lot to me then, all those years ago.  I was young, and the promise of everlasting life was what drew me to Jesus.  I accepted that promise by faith and began a life-long journey with the One who made it.

One recent brisk morning, I jokingly asked the lead maintenance man for the building I work in if he could do something about the cool air outside. He immediately - and joyfully - responded, "My Father said this is the perfect temperature young lady; He intends to refresh our souls!" 

How can we live, if we die?  Jesus said, “I am the life.” What did He mean?

We recently had a plumbing “issue” at our house.  I noticed one of our bathtubs wasn’t draining properly so I cleared it with Draino.  Then one day the toilet backed up, so we plunged, and plunged, and plunged, but the water started coming up through our tub.

Some days it seems that no matter how hard I try, nothing works out the way I had planned.  The receptionist never called back to set up an appointment.  The workmen were an hour late.  The store didn’t have the shoes I needed. On such days I feel overwhelmed, as if the whole world is against me.

A new heaven, a new earth, a new Jerusalem!  Having lived in the same city my entire life, I can't imagine what that will be like. However, I have moved into a new house. I remember the excitement of fresh paint, new carpet, ample space.

All too often in our lives, we try to do things by our own strength and in accordance with our own desires.  We say we want to live Christ-centered lives, yet there are pockets of sin that we refuse to yield to Him.  We harbor, and sometimes cultivate, that sin.