Teenagers. Ear buds growing from their heads. Mesmerized by the new song on their playlist. The house could be on fire, and they would never notice. We’d get the unplugging of one ear, and the questioning look of “What?” And this is good? Let me explain. Galatians 6:10 (NIV) says, “Therefore, as we have opportunity,…

Laundry day. A week’s worth of dirt, sweat, and food stains lies in piles on my floor, ready for the washer. By the time each piece has been sorted, washed and dried, and folded, it will have passed through my hands several times. Does God take this kind of care with our dirty laundry? Or…

Sin’s aftermath. Have you been there? Caught smack dab in the middle of the thing you said you would never do? Oswald Chambers said a sick man knows what health is because he has lost it. Likewise, we know God’s will the second we step out of it. And that first step is a doozy.…

So, how’re things with your main squeeze? What’s the temperature of your relationship? Hot, cold, or lukewarm? God loves heat. A heart aflame for Him and for others. Check out this verse from Revelation: I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So,…

Is it possible? To discover God’s plan for our kids? I can give you a rundown of gifts, talents, and abilities. I can list strengths and weaknesses. Favorite food. Shoe size. Taste in music. But God’s specific plan for each one? He hasn’t told me, though surely I have a handle on it. My mother’s intuition,…

Spring cleaning. I’ve heard cleanliness is next to godliness. If that’s the case, we’re in trouble. We live with a Labrador retriever. I have friends that spring clean. Deep clean. Baseboards, the top of the refrigerator, that kind of thing. As spring break approached and I thought, emphasis on thought, about cleaning, I came across this verse: Jesus answered,…

Wind and water. Their forces keep the power going and cut channels through solid rock. They serve up some fun when we fly kites or hit the pool. And they dish out devastating destruction in tornados or tsunamis. However, you possess something so strong, wind and water are dwarfed by it. Curious? It’s your will.…

If you stepped up to the challenges of Lent this season, you may be experiencing soil prep. A harsh metal blade breaking up clods of clay. Is God stirring your soil? Will you persevere through the plow? Maybe God’s rooted out some grub worms—unhappy flesh whining at doing without, such as headaches, hunger pains, or…

What’s brewing at your house as spring break approaches? I’d love to serve you a hot cup of House Blend: Mary and Martha’s house and a blend of four tips for spring break we can learn from these gals and their favorite guests. Our kids love spring break. Sleeping in. No schedule. Lots of TV…

Scoot over. Make room. By fasting? Have you ever saved a place for a friend? The seat right next to you so there’s easy access for conversation and fun? I love it when someone’s saved a spot for me. I know I’m valued, wanted, treasured. Guess what? God has a place by His side. He’s…