25 Christmas Prayers – Day 23

December 23, 2011

Jesus, how many times have we stumbled through the dark in the middle of the night trying to find our own way? Why would we choose to go through life the same way? You are the Light of the World, shining in the darkness. Read more

25 Christmas Prayers – Day 22

December 22, 2011

Day 22 – God, The One and Only

Jesus, we experience many kinds of love in our lifetime—love for our parents, our children, our close friends, our mate, and even the unloved and needy. But there is only one love like Yours. Read more

25 Christmas Prayers – Day 7

December 7, 2011

Day 7 – Savior

Lord, I can only imagine the shepherd’s fear that night as Your angel surrounded them in full 3D technicolor, bearing the good news for which so many had waited. For centuries, prophets foretold Your coming.

A simple birth. A simple manger. An extravagant plan, conceived in Your mind long ago because of Your love for us.

You Were Born to Die Read more

25 Christmas Prayers – Day 6

December 6, 2011

photo by Ben Earwicker

Day 6 – Jesus

Jesus–is there any name sweeter or more precious than Your name? At Your name, Jesus,

• Knees bow
• Arms raise
• Demons scatter
• Voices praise
• Enemies fall
• Mountains move
• Miracles happen
• Winds calm
• Lives change
• Hearts melt
• Love lives
• Shame dies Read more

10 Simple Truths/Lessons We Can Learn from 9/11

September 11, 2011

What have you learned from 9/11? None of us will ever be the same since that day. We’ve all been profoundly touched in some way. Many of those changes were negative. But today, on the 10th anniversary of 9/11, here are at least ten simple, positive truths we can glean from this tragedy:

1. Miracles still happen
2. Little things matter
3. Heroes are real people
4. People do care about each other
5. Life is precious
6. God brings good out of evil, and our only hope still lies in Him
7. Courage makes a difference
8. Love ones seem dearer; heaven seems nearer
9. Crisis can bring unity
10. Make every moment count; today may be all you have

No doubt that list will grow, as you add your own lessons and truths. Most of these we knew already; but 9/11 both reinforced and magnified them. Last year I shared a poetic reflection called “If Only We Had Known, that also expressed some simple truths.

Tomorrow is another day. The anniversary memorials will cease, and life will continue as usual. But the lessons we learn will stick with us, if we let them. Like a well-read novel, the takeaway will emerge and contribute to who we are, and to the person we can become, if we let God define the wisdom.

“But as for you, you meant evil…but God meant it for good (Genesis 50:20, NKJV).

“For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:6, NIV).

Simple Prayer for Today:

Lord, we cry out in solemn remembrance of that day ten years ago–a day indeliby written on our hearts. Comfort those who lost loved ones and friends; draw near to those whose lives changed forever by the cruelty of others.

Jesus, our only hope is in You. Help us to sow love instead of hatred. May we never forget the lessons You taught us–and help us to trust You for the answers we can’t seem to find. Make us wise, as we look to You for direction. Help us trust You for the courage to go on, one day at a time. Equip us to make a difference in Your world. Our nation is in Your hands. Keep us close to You, for it truly is in God we must trust.

What about you? What lessons did you learn from 9/11? Or what truths did that event reinforce for you? Please share your comments below. Your words might encourage someone today! You will not be hounded, prodded, or automatically added to my mailing list if you do so. Feel free to email this blog to someone or to re-post on social media, using the buttons below. If you want to re-post any of my blogs on your own blog or website, please contact me for permission first. And if you’d like to, you can sign up for my blog/newsletter and updates at the top of this website page/sidebar. Your e-mail address will never be sold or given to anyone!

 

 

When Mom Becomes a Grandmother

September 6, 2011

This year, National Grandparents Day shares the same day as another familiar date: the bombing of the World Trade Centers – 9/11 – on September 11. Since 1978, Grandparents Day has been observed on the first Sunday after Labor Day.

In honor of Grandparents Day, particularly grandmothers today, I am reposting this true, shorter blog, only in its entirety. Whether you’re a mom or a grandmother, I hope you’ll enjoy it. Be sure to read to the end for a special way to honor a mom or a grandmother. Read more

How Deep Is God’s Grace?

August 30, 2011

 

What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done? The most terrible act committed against you? The one thing you have the most trouble forgetting? The worst deed ever committed in history? In your lifetime?

Can God’s grace cover that? Read more

Promise for Today: Courage

May 27, 2011

“For God hath not give us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV

Our convictions will be tested, and our faith will be sifted in times of difficulty. But God wants to help us reach beyond ourselves to a strength that is greater than our own–moving from fear to faith.

Because of God’s promise, we no longer need to be tossed back and forth with indecisiveness and timidity. Because He is always with us, we can choose to act courageously with conviction and faith.

I see this happening with the victims of all the tornadoes and disasters in this past year. So many are moving from confusion to courage as people reach up for heaven’s help and reach out to one another. And we observe it in the courageous lives of those who serve our country so faithfully, as well as those who are being persecuted for their Christian faith.

God can and will do that for us as we look to Him. He is the only One who can fill us with true courage–the ability to determine what is valued.

Courage always begins with the first step.

My Prayer for You

Lord, any time we are afraid, we will trust in You. Fill us with the spirit of love, power, and a sound mind. Give us the courage to move when You say move; wait when You say wait; and faith out every day in the midst of doubt and testing. Above all, help us to give You the glory in everything.

What about you? How has God filled you with courage? Please share with us in the comments below. You will not be hounded, prodded, or automatically added to my mailing list if you do so. Feel free to email this blog to someone or to repost on social media, using  the buttons below. If you want to repost any of my blogs on your own blog or website, please contact me for permission first.

Extravagant Love

May 2, 2011

(Some of you might be interested to know this story took place years ago at Possum Kingdom Lake–an area in Texas that was recently burned extensively. I felt that this was such a powerful story and truth that I am reposting this blog again in honor of Mother’s Day. I will return to my general blog  schedule next week after Mother’s Day.)

Extravagant Love

By Rebecca Barlow Jordan

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 TNIV 

Much of my husband’s childhood years he spent on a lake in West Texas where his parents and grandparents owned a fishing camp. Like all boys, Larry loved to play “buried treasure.” The sand around the camp offered multiple opportunities for realistic pirating adventures.

But one fateful day, Larry learned a powerful lesson he never forgot. Here’s his story: Read more

Promise for Today: A Light in the Darkness

April 2, 2011

“I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the darkness” John 12:46 NLT.

Ever been through a dark time in your life? I have. It’s not particularly fun, is it? You don’t have to live through a power outage to know what it’s like to live in the darkness. Most of us have experienced that at one time or another. Read more

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