Who Is God?

By Ginny (MAD21)

I've shared with you all before that one of my favorite times of day is bedtime. Not because it's when the house finally goes quiet, but because it's one of the few times in the day when I have some good, quality time with my girls without distraction. This is when we talk about our day, good times and bad, tell silly stories or ask serious questions.

During one particular conversation about a month ago, my oldest was asking me some questions about God and what I thought about him. At one point she actually asked me, "Who is God?" Leave it to our kids to ask us questions that can take a lifetime to answer. Since she is only almost seven (I have to say that -so she says- because she'll be seven in a few weeks), I could keep the answer a little simpler than if an adult were asking me, but it really got me thinking. For one thing, she won't be seven forever and she has a little sister who is growing up right behind her who rarely accepts short answers even at almost four and a half (that half is important to her, too).

Click to read more ...

Love

By Pat

One of the most well-known and oft-quoted passages of scripture in the entire Bible, in my opinion, is probably 1 Corinthians 13, in which the apostle Paul gives us a very concise and direct description of the word "love." As I recently read and re-read this beautiful chapter, which I have always been very fond of, I was happy to learn that I have done a lot of growing through the years of walking with the Lord, but appalled to discover what a long way I have to go to achieve true, Godly love. This is very disheartening to me. I had always thought of myself as a loving person, and I am; but unfortunately more on my own terms and conditions than God's.

First, are my motives always driven by love alone? When I do something kind for someone, do I want anything in return, or maybe seek a little pat on the back, or a little applause or glory? I have to admit, reluctantly, that I do like a little praise sometimes. Although I have grown and matured in my walk, I still have a long way to go. Paul clearly states in verses 1-3 that unless the things I say and do are said and done solely with love, I gain nothing. It's a disappointment in the only eyes that matter: God's. I must give and love expecting nothing in return. Otherwise, I am not exhibiting Godly love.

Click to read more ...

A New Year Without Fear

By Pat

As another year comes to an end, I feel a sense of joy in my heart, and as another year begins, I feel a great sense of anticipation. I look back at this past year and the many ups and downs in the road I traveled, and find that, although I didn't always get what I prayed for, I did receive what God knew I needed.

When I asked God for smooth sailing during tumultuous times, I see that God instead provided a sturdy boat in which to sail. When I walked in darkness, God reminded me of the constant light of Jesus, and found a way to open my eyes to it. When I prayed for God to help my friends and family through difficulties, I notice that He graciously used me at times as His means of helping them, in whatever small way I could, and for this I am grateful and humbled. When I cried, He sent me love and concern in the form of precious friends-and they helped to dry my tears. I felt God's love through their prayers and words of encouragement. When I may have been feeling just a bit too confident and sure of my walk, God allowed me to face situations that reminded me of my weakness and constant need for His presence, guidance and wisdom.

In every situation I faced, whether good, bad, or something in-between, God was there. And so I can look forward to a new year without fear, and with the comfort that no matter what lies ahead, God is with me and will hold my hand through it all. I will not travel alone. He will use my struggles to help me gain strength and to increase my faith so that I can better serve Him. I pray that He will use me to be a blessing to others, however and whenever I can. I am so grateful for God's promises, the one thing I can always count on. Have thine own way, Lord! And to all...Happy New Year!

"But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more." (Psalm 71:14)

Pat is a good friend who is passionate about her faith and her family. She works from home supporting a family business, and loves to read, write and garden when she can, and spends every spare moment with her grandkids.

Christmas Reflections

By Pat

A friend of mine asked me to write a devotional about Christmas; memories, lessons learned, etc. Where could I start? What could I say? Like most of us, I have enough Christmas memories to fill an entire notebook. Baking cookies, wrapping gifts, decorating trees. Family, friends, food. Lovely, warm memories that bring a smile to my heart when called to mind.

There have been lean holidays, and more prosperous ones. Some hectic, and some, more peaceful. We have, through the years, said sad goodbyes to loved ones, and have also happily welcomed new little lives into our family.

Times have changed, things have changed, we have changed, and certain aspects of the fabric of our family have changed. But one thing that for me has never changed, except to grow stronger, is the feeling that overcomes me this time of year, no matter what else is going on around me, and that is the feeling of hope.

Click to read more ...

Boot Camp Conversion

By Michelle (Graceful, Faith in the Everyday)

I can’t walk. Or climb stairs. Or bend to pick a shred of lint off the carpet. Or apply deodorant without groaning audibly.

Don’t be alarmed. I brought this misery upon myself.

Last Saturday morning I enrolled in my first-ever session of Boot Camp. The name, of course, should have been the first hint, but I figured I could handle it. I’m a runner right? How hard can “Boot Camp” be?

Yeah. Pretty hard. Especially when the instructor is the son of Satan. Seriously. Combine medicine ball thrusts, squats, lunges, jump roping, running, push-ups and the plank with suicide sprints, bicep curls with resistance bands and  “burpees” (don’t ask), and then– if you’re me – when it’s all over return home and paint your entire bedroom. Not just a touch-up job, mind you – I painted the entire bedroom, on a ladder, with a roller…after Boot Camp.

Click to read more ...