Following rules can give us a false sense of security. In my devotional time the other day, I came across this insight in the Jesus Calling devotional by Sarah Young: “Men tend to multiply duties in their observance of religion. This practice enables them to give Me money, time, and …
Recent Blog Posts
Spiritual Journey
Laying It Over
My writing buddy, Janet Cole, joins me today to talk about failure and God’s love. Janet lives in rural Texas with her beautiful and spunky twelve-year-old daughter, Jadyn, and her husband, Jay, an amazing man God used to teach her to how to laugh and love again. She’s a …
I Went to Bed a Christian and Woke Up an Agnostic
Today, I’m excited to have my good writing friend, Jenny Snow share on my blog. Jenny has a heart for people and for God. I hope you are as moved as I was as Jenny shares some of her spiritual journey with us. I was raised in a Christian home with three siblings and loving …
Patience, NOW
There is a scene in Star Wars, Episode IV, where Luke is attacking the Death Star, about to drop a bombdown a chute to the core of the weapon. His wing commander tells him, “Wait for it. Wait for it. Did you know the Lord tells us basically the same …
Why Do I Keep Writing?
I began this blog a little over five years ago. My first post titled Why Do I Write. Click Here Now, so many years later—although they seem to have flown by—I ask myself why do I keep writing? In the face of rejections and in the crazy world of publishing …
What Keeps Us Going?
Earlier today I was preparing a topic for an online discussion group. The topic asked about moments when readers told us our writing affected their lives. Over my years of writing I’ve received many compliments about my stories and my characters, about how my fiction entertained and sometimes presented stuff …
Ponderings on Ministry
Robert Morris, founding senior pastor of Gateway Church, writes in his book, Truly Free, “God has called you into a ministry that’s beyond your own strength. You may not think you have a ministry beyond yourself, but you do.” I’ve long believed that, as Christians, we all have a ministry …
Character Testing
Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character. Psalm 105:19 (NLT) In the Old Testament, God tested Joseph. A lot. Mistreated by his brothers. Sold into slavery. Falsely accused of rape. Thrown into prison. Forgotten by those he helped. Did you ever wonder why Joseph …
Managing Anger
Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. Psalm 4:4 (NLT) Sometimes I think that if I followed these instructions, I’d be going to bed early every night (probably before the sun set). And I wouldn’t be talking much. Dealing with anger and irritability has plagued …
Discipline is Painful
No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. Hebrews 12:11 (NLT) emphasis added We’ve all been disciplined for much of our lives. Our parents disciplined us, sometimes with words, and sometimes …