Finding God in the Garden
March 30, 2017
When springtime rolls around, it’s hard for me not to write about my favorite season. Visions of pink and blue hydrangeas, white gardenias, yellow daylilies, coral heuchera, and purple petunias dance in my head. Every year I save up for colorful replacements or new varieties.
There are some things about this time of year, however, that can destroy its beauty–if I let it.
You guessed it: weeds. You can tell by this picture in my backyard garden that some flowers are blooming. But most of those green shoots covering the ground and invading the good plants? Weeds! Unfortunately, just like most of the plants in my gardens, those weeds are perennial.
The sun may eventually kill the shallow ones, though my garden is mostly shady. And mulch will cover up some of the green invaders. But only for a while. Others will soon take their place. If I let them grow wild and don’t pull them out as soon as they pop up, they will soon choke out the beauty and the fragrance of my garden.
Finding God in the Garden
That’s true of my spiritual garden as well. Think about these areas of life and the power of weeds left untended: Read more
One Thing You Can Do to Heal Your Country
June 30, 2016
Everyone has an opinion today on what their country needs and what it will take to help heal it–especially when division occurs or election time rolls around. There are many things you can do to help, but none are more important than the one I’ll tell you about today. If you really love your country, here is the most important thing you can do to help heal it: Read more
When You Need to Know Where God Wants You
June 2, 2016
My name is Rebecca Barlow Jordan, and I am a _________aholic. I could complete that sentence several ways.
How would you fill in that blank personally?
At different times and different seasons, here’s how I might characterize myself. I am a: Read more
A Valentine Prayer Letter to My Spouse
February 10, 2016
Candy, Flowers, Perfume—these Valentine’s Day gifts still make up the largest portion of the Valentine commercial industry. And there’s nothing wrong with those. But what if you and your spouse could give each other a special gift this Valentine’s Day–one that would last all year?
Do you pray for your spouse? What better time than Valentine’s Day to let your spouse know that you are praying for him/her and what you are praying. It could be one of the best Valentine gifts you could ever offer. Make your prayer letter personal, but here are some suggestions of how you might pray for your husband or for your wife: Read more
Eight Unexpected Blessings from God
November 24, 2015
Most of us remember to count our usual blessings from God, especially at times like Thanksgiving. But here are at least eight unexpected blessings we could overlook. You could probably list even more. Let me explain: Read more
7 Secrets of a Long, Grace-filled Marriage
July 20, 2015
My husband and I are celebrating our 49th wedding anniversary. Yes, we married young. 🙂 No, these are not necessarily our secrets, though we’ve tried to incorporate them into our marriage through the years.
Actually, we could sum up the secret of our long and satisfying marriage in three words: God‘s amazing grace.
But as marriage enrichment leaders through the years we’ve had the privilege of working with many couples. And in his ministry position, my husband has had the opportunity to work with and counsel numerous couples.
What makes a marriage flourish? This list is not exhaustive, but here are seven secrets of a long, grace-filled marriage that we’ve observed through the years: (If you’ve been married over 25 years, I’d love to hear your thoughts on what makes a marriage last. You can do so at the end of this blog).
Five Inexpensive Christmas Gifts for Your Spouse
December 9, 2014
You don’t need a checkbook or credit card for these Christmas gifts. Your spouse will enjoy these inexpensive gifts at Christmas–or any time of the year. Read more
Book Giveaway & Author Interview with Deborah Raney
November 18, 2014
Home stirs up a variety of images and memories. In recent blogs, I talked about heaven, our real home. But today, I’m offering a new book giveaway from author Deborah Raney called Home to Chicory Lane. A great start to a new Christian fiction series, Deborah’s new book introduces us to the home of the Whitman family. I love the inviting back cover blurb from Deborah’s new book:
WELCOME TO CHICORY INN…
WHERE FAMILY IS (ALMOST)
ALWAYS WELCOME!
It Takes So Little to Be Above Average
August 5, 2014
God prompted me to re-visit this blog I wrote in the past. The devotional message never grows old. Enjoy.
I read Florence Littauer’s challenge years ago in her book, It Takes So Little to Be Above Average. But God reminded me of that principle in a truly simple way this week.
I had just semi-closed the misaligned door of the old armoire in our bedroom. But as I rounded the corner to the hall that book title popped into my head–as it sometimes does when I’ve given a half-hearted effort to do something. Read more
The What Ifs of Life: Positive or Negative?
July 1, 2014
In fiction, asking “What if?” can create dozens of plot possibilities. But in real life, can asking “What if?” steal your joy or bring you peace? Read more
You are so important to me! As an inspirational author and day-voted follower of Jesus, I love to paint encouragement on the hearts of others just like you.
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