Encouragement
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Foundations
"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a…
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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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Passover – me, Easter Blues!
I started thinking about this thing….. “The Easter Blues.” Scroll down to read the article by Dineen. It has been a long while since I have thought about how difficult this holiday is and how I struggle in a mismatched marriage to bring meaning and celebration into our home. But, as I was pondering and…
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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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An Anniversary; So Happy, So Melancholy
Take a look at these. I don’t think I have received red roses in a very long time. 12 perfect blooms. As I am writing this it is Sunday evening and we celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary today. We went out to dinner last night and toasted our life together. My husband told me how…
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Weekend Devo – Refinded by Our Spouse
When I first started reading this devotional by Rick Warren, my brain said, "Well, I'll read it, but this is for Christian couples." By the time I finished it, I knew I had to share it because it applies to our spiritually mismatched marriages as well. Though our spouses may not share our faith, our…
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What’s Your Favorite Scripture?
Dear friends, Lynn and I need your help! We want to put a chapter in this book that has all these wonderful Scriptures that we can pray for our unbelieving spouses, like a heavenly resource. Can you help us? Would you tell us what Scripture you pray for your spouse? Do you put their name…
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Weekend Devo – Destroying False Beliefs
That night all the people of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, "If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this desert! Why is the LORD bringing us to this land only to let us fall by…
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Partner With God and See the Wonders
Psalm 40:5 Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare. The past couple of weeks I shared with you how I fell off the Hope…
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Do You Have a Family Faith Record?
As you know, Lynn and I are writing away on our book project, which wouldn’t even be possible without you, our readers, and a wonderful publisher who believes in our message. One of the later chapters is about making a family record. If you were to imagine a day in the hopefully-not-too-distant future with your…
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Weekend Devo –
Guest Author, Robert YoungWe have a special treat for our weekend devo today. S.U.M. friend and author Robert Young wrote the beautiful piece for us to share. Enjoy and God bless! ~Dineen * * * * * * There is never a time when He is not speaking. There is never a place…
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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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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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Weekend Devo – Get on the Hope Train
Just wanted to share this great devo from James MacDonald of Walk in the Word Ministries. HOPE you have a great weekend! Blessings! ~ Dineen GET ON THE HOPE TRAIN by James MacDonald "Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of…
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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 – We Are Not Alone
When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your…
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Unanswered Prayers…Seeking God
Here we are, our last week of January (can you believe it?) and the end of our unanswered prayer series. My deepest prayer is that Lynn and I have been able to encourage you. Without our hope in Christ, well, it’s pretty hard to keep going. We run out of juice. Thank goodness Jesus doesn’t!…
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Weekend Devo – Worship
Another great article from Purpose Driven Connection by Rick Warren. Have a beautiful weekend and be blessed! ~Dineen Worship: Offering Yourself to God by Rick Warren So then, my friends, because of God's great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing…
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Unaswered Prayers or Prayers in Waiting?
Last week in the Unanswered Prayers series, we established that God hears us and considered that the circumstances aren’t just about us. Lynn talked about letting go of what we might think is good in order for God to give us his best. Read Unanswered Prayers, Part 1 here.Read He Dreams Big, Do You? here.…