Conflict and Challenges
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This Was Hard, But it Changed My Entire Perspective Forever
Good Monday Everyone: If you remember last Monday, I began a series where I answered some of your questions. Specifically, many of you listen in to my radio interview, which generated some thoughts. You can listen to my interview and Dineen’s by scrolling down and click on the audio link. One of the first questions…
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Peter Looked Away
One of the most famous stories we have of Peter is when he walked on water. I think I’ve read more commentaries and devotionals on the story than I can remember. Well, bear with me as I add another one to the list, because a nuance of this story hit me afresh recently. Like I’ve…
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Easter Blues
Holidays can stir up turmoil in any marriage, but “religious” holidays can bring about huge conflict in a spiritual mismatch. Of all the holidays throughout the year, I think Easter is the most awkward for my household. When my girls were little, we focused on Easter baskets and spending the morning together as a family.…
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A Life That Speaks
Recently we sang the song “Blessed Be His Name” in my church. As in the story of Job, one part of the song conveys the words that God gives and takes away. I have to admit this part always bothered me. It always seemed so harsh to me that God took away Job’s family and…
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Olympic Fever
Every two years, my husband and I anticipate the Winter or Summer Olympics, our favorite being the Winter. There's just something about watching these athletes give everything they have to achieve their goal of excellence, to win a medal, to make their mark on their sport of choice. I realized we have watched these Olympics…
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I Fell Off the Hope Train
I have sat down to write a post for this Monday several different times today. I am having difficulty. It's Sunday evening, Valentine's Day. My husband and I had a fight earlier today. We argued over social events. This is a common theme of late in our home. So strange. However, I am wondering if…
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Hallmark Holiday
I originally posted this last year but I find it needs a re-read by me and I hope you will enjoy it again this year. I pray it helps and encourages many of you who struggle with Valentine's Day. Love and hugs, Lynn Tomorrow is such a strange day. Valentine’s Day! This day could make…
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Tough Love (i.e. Sacrificial Love)
I find myself in the most difficult position of my life. It’s not one I ever imagined being in, yet God has deemed it wise and necessary to put me here. And my family. I don’t want to go into details because that’s not what I want this post to be about. Some of you…
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Why is it always me?
Today, I am thrilled to introduce one of my very dear friends, Marsha Harwood. Many of you know Marsha as she is a profound blogger in our community. I met Marsha face-to-face in October at the blogger's retreat. However, I feel like I have been her sister for many years. She loves Jesus. I just…
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It Is Well
I went on a trip with a friend this weekend and during our time together we each shared our favorite modern versions of the hymn “It Is Well.” (Mine is from Kutless’ new worship album by the same title, and hers is by Jars of Clay. Both are awesome!) Now I’ll be honest, this is…
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Weekend Devo – Dare to Dream
People seem to be having more difficulties these days than usual. This time last year I was shuttling my daughter back and forth to radiation treatments. And not too long after Christmas, Lynn's husband lost his job like so many have since the economy tanked. I'm sure as you read this, your own trials are…
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Are You Ready for Christmas?
I know I’m not-still have shopping, baking, and a birthday to prepare for! So much to do along with work and taking care of the family. Are you nodding along with me?Keeping our focus on Christ this time of year is tough for anyone, so I’m not going to talk about the busyness that threatens…
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Scripture vs. Strongholds
We've spent a fabulous month learning about the power of Scripture in our lives. Well, today I have an example for you of just how a dear friend of mine applied it to her life directly and saw her life change in powerful ways. Talk about transforming your mind! Please welcome my dear friend, Helen…
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God’s Preparation
During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became…
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How full is your net?
"I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them,…
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Day 6: God is Good
You send an email to a friend updating her on everything going on at the moment. Your letter seems more like a list of crises than anything else. Then you go to sign it with “God is good” but you hesitate. Can you honestly say that and mean it in the midst of your discouragement?…
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The Prizes of Victory
“I’ve prayed, but nothing’s happening.” I felt my daughter’s pain. Not just over the health issue she was struggling with but also her confusion that God hadn’t taken the condition away. How often had I prayed over several issues in my own life-some for years-to see nothing change? Through those years I’d come to learn…
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Creating a Crisis- With a WARNING
When we began this series regarding conflict I set out some of the guidelines and the premise by which we intend to explore the specific issues. If you have not read that post, please read it now (go here, then come right back). Several weeks ago we were discussing a difficult topic, conflict in marriage,…
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Marriage, Alcohol, Final Thoughts and a Suprise!
When we began this series regarding conflict I set out some of the guidelines and the premise by which we intend to explore the specific issues. If you have not read that post, please read it now (go here, then come right back). I want to add some thoughts about our current topic, Alcohol and…
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Weekend Devo-To Know and Be Known
(This is a re-post from July 30, 2007, with the addition of applicable Scripture. In light of our recent topics I thought it might be a good one to revisit.) But the man who loves God is known by God. – 1Corinthians 8:3 As I wrote down my prayer, the ache in my heart formed…
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Eternity’s Waiting
As I mention in the weekend devo, Ecclesiates 3:11 became quite significant to me last week. I'll tell you why. I've shared recent posts about "living out loud" and searching for God's will in my marriage, and what that means. What should I say or not say about my faith? Am I living out loud…