When you’d rather skip Christmas this year
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When you’d rather skip Christmas this year

Losing someone you love is incredibly hard. And now the holidays are upon you. That empty chair, with all its memories and sentiment, now seems to be the largest piece of furniture in your home.  I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m awed at the depth you loved your always-could-depend-on dad, energetic-and-inquisitive child, best-buddy sibling…

Thinking of our veterans and future vets
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Thinking of our veterans and future vets

How did you spend your week? Perhaps you fellowshipped at church, enjoyed lingering meals with your family, and had fun bonding with friends while watching your favorite movies on Netflix. How do you imagine our veterans on the battlefield spent a typical week? Perhaps they held frantic prayer meetings with members of their squadron in…

Washing dishes with a cheerful heart
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Washing dishes with a cheerful heart

Cleaning the kitchen, scrubbing toilets and mopping floors often feels like an interruption to my schedule. And my attitude while doing these chores often shows, especially when I’m exhausted. One day, in the midst of a particularly grumpy time, God used an email to prick my conscience. One of my blog visitors emailed me saying,…

Have you been broken by sin?
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Have you been broken by sin?

Do you know someone who reminds you of a broken doll that needs to be returned to the toy factory? So brokenhearted from their mess-ups that their spirits are crushed? Someone so ashamed because of their wrong choices that they can’t face anyone – even God?  Is this how you would describe yourself? God understands…

Are you going through a difficult time?
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Are you going through a difficult time?

“Hi, Emma. I’m calling to see how you’re doing.†“I’m doing okay. Thanks for checking.† Her voice was somber but strong.  “It’s been tough. My car broke down – again. But the kids and I prayed, and thankfully, I have a second interview with one of the companies I’ve applied with.†Almost a year ago,…

Are you a secretly depressed Christian?
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Are you a secretly depressed Christian?

For almost 30 years, I struggled with clinical depression and suicidal thoughts. For 26 of those years, I was a born-again, Bible-believing Christian.  Which means, off and on, for 26 years, I was what many would consider a spiritual oxymoron – a suicidal Christian.  Are you a Christian who thinks about suicide? Can you remember…

A reason to celebrate getting older – and older
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A reason to celebrate getting older – and older

Sheryl Boldt “Happy birthday!†I said to one of the ladies I cared for when I was a private caregiver. “What’s so happy about it?†Ms. Elaine countered. “I’m an old lady, getting older.†I answered quickly (maybe too quickly) with my positive spin.  “But aren’t you glad you’ve lived such a long life?†At…