As the Household of Heartstrong, we've brought each other to our first Christmas and New Year together, and I anticipate that there will be others as we continue on our pilgrimage through the Bible. As much as our focus has been the subjects and concepts of bible discussion, the relational dynamics have evolved between us such t[...]
Having lost my mom at an early age, I benefited greatly from the generosity of my father and siblings. As the youngest, I got used to and enjoyed being protected and cared for. I somehow developed a sense of entitlement. Getting married and having kids did not change these expectations. In so being, I demonstrated selfishness.[...]
It’s January, and I have no desire to put away my Christmas decorations. However, my tree seems to have different ideas. The strands of lights on this 5-year-old, pre-lit beauty have been blowing one by one (beginning on Christmas Eve!) like candles on a birthday cake. There’s only one working set left—the set I bought on[...]
“It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done. How great are your works, L[...]
"You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will[...]
Somehow, the beginning of every year always brings up the topic of New Year Resolutions. When I was younger, it was literally expected of you to have them. If you didn't have any to offer up when asked, you were often looked upon as some sort of loafer without ambition or direction in your life! Times have changed, but I still[...]
“Let everyone give all their praise and thanks to the Lord! Here’s why – he’s better than anyone could ever imagine. Yes, he’s always loving and kind, and his faithful love never ends. (…) How he satisfies the souls of thirsty ones and fills the hungry with goodness!” Psalms 107:1 & 9 TPT. We’re pretty good[...]
“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me— now let me rejoice. Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” Psalms 51:7-10 NLT Beautiful You[...]
We live in this odd tension of ever-changing rhythms, rediscovered purposes, and many emotions. The good news is, God's view of us remains the same, and we are His beloved children. We need to remind ourselves of this truth and begin to treat God's creation (you) with the same love He has for you! A few things to remember. Be[...]
The Lord places us in situations, and at times these are not comfortable. We are delusional if we think grassy meadows and buttercups will also surround us. Or for this coming season, a hot chocolate, a warm fire and soothing music. As we all know, there are many challenges and stumbling blocks in our path, and one challenging a[...]