After our granddaughter, Lyric, started walking, she didn’t stop for about five years. Many times, she ran through our living room with her eyes closed. Scary. One Easter, my sister, Virginia, had to grab Lyric as she darted by so I could snap a picture of her pretty dress.Steven Curtis Chapman wrote a song about busyness. The lyrics say, “Billy, Billy, Billy, you’re a very busy man, but you’re ru...  Read More

Do you know someone that is continually busy? Are they constantly going or doing something until they fall into bed exhausted? Is this you?Many times, I will keep myself busy on purpose. My emotions tend to take over. Instead of saying something I will regret later, I purposely make myself busy, cleaning or doing laundry, whatever will take my mind off the situation and calm my emotions.Often, at ...  Read More

Do you find yourself so busy that you feel like you can’t get everything done? Are you really that busy?This weekend I am letting myself relax and slow things down. Even if it’s just a few days, I know that giving myself time and space will re-energize me, both physically and mentally.Many times, a typical response from people, including myself, is, “I’m too busy.” I think that it’s become a part ...  Read More

If you’re anything like me, as you read this, you probably brush your teeth while picking up toys and putting away yesterday’s laundry. You’re in the middle of answering a text and settling an argument between kiddos—you multi-task while multi-tasking. I, too, am one of those people who never sits still. I stress over every detail and have perpetual to-do lists in multiple locations. I am like Mar...  Read More

The word busyness is a good descriptor of how many of us live our lives. And although being active and involved in the things around us is good, too much busyness is a worldly concept and can distract us from the Lord’s blessings.The pace of this world is fast and furious. Technology and innovations have accelerated everything to be at our disposal in record time. Social media platforms can give a...  Read More

It was 4:00 am. The building was dark except for the lights in my cubicle, staff kitchen, and conference room. I was making a pot of coffee at the request of a physician who arrived early for a meeting. Our department and I worked long hours to catch up on a backlog of specialty medical claims with state-mandated due dates.My boss entered the kitchen, saw me making coffee for the doctors, and yell...  Read More

Ever feel like the walls are closing in on you, and it all gets too much? The overwhelming weight of work, worry, and weariness leaves us wanting. Pressure builds, and we cry, “Stop the world; I want to get off!”Sometimes, we are our own worst enemy. Guilty of saying “Yes” to everyone and everything, we fall in a heap each night, only to do it all again the next day!Nearly at the end of my tether,...  Read More

What has caused you pain in this life? Not just physical pain but a deep agonizing, gnawing discomfort. Have you ever been there? Are you experiencing that degree of pain today? It is that type of pain that can leave one bent over.If you feel bent over today, I would like to introduce you to a nameless woman in (Luke 10:10-13 NIV). This unnamed woman had spent 18 years afflicted, crippled by a spi...  Read More

As a child, it was easy for me to see that the Bible was full of rules. One of the first things I learned growing up was the Ten Commandments. A set of rules. It was difficult for me to understand why God, spoken of with love and reverence, wanted me to follow so many rules.Fast forward a little more than thirty years. As parents, my husband and I set rules for our children—some of which I expect ...  Read More

"…Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all inhabitants thereof…” (Leviticus 25:10 KJV).These words were engraved on the Liberty Bell over 270 years ago. Today the Liberty Bell and the words inscribed on it serve as a renowned emblem of freedom for our nation.  Those exact words were first penned by Moses more than 3,000 years ago when the LORD decreed there would be a year of Jubilee ever...  Read More

Imagine a world without the knowledge of God. Without the guidance of the Bible, the commandments, and Jesus Christ's sacrifice, our lives would lack direction. If we had no understanding of a creator or our purpose on earth, there would be little hope for our temporary and eternal existence. Fortunately, our loving Father desires better for his children.“My son, do not forget my teaching, but kee...  Read More

Because the movie Braveheart is a favorite of both my husband and son, I have walked through the living room while they watch it and seen bits and pieces time after time. The portion that stands out is when William Wallace, played by Mel Gibson, lifts his fist and loudly proclaims, “Freeee-----duuu----mmm!” I bet spell check will love that.There is a verse in the Bible that says, “Stand fast there...  Read More