Category: Devotions
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When the Holiday Season is Hard – Proverbs 3:5-8
The transition from fall to winter is a gloomy time for some. In addition to the pressure of navigating the holidays, seasonal weather patterns also can make life challenging, especially for those who miss the sunshine. For me, gray, overcast days don’t have a negative effect. I’ve loved clouds since I was a little girl,…
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Christmas – What Charlie Brown and Linus Got Right – Luke 2:8-14
In the classic TV special, A Charlie Brown’s Christmas, Linus responds to Charlie’s display of holiday stress by reciting from the book of Luke. This year the same verses hit home for me, too. (Thank you, Linus!) And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by…
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The Message That Wasn’t From God – Lamentations 3:22-23
My heart was warmed when I read the Verse of the Day in my inbox, a personal message from God. At least, that’s what I thought it was. “All the saints greet you.” 2 Corinthians 13:13 ESV How sweet that God arranged that particular scripture to come to my inbox the day after my birthday.…
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How to Know When it’s Time to Panic – Mark 4:37-40
Being a new parent was often stressful and confusing. I didn’t know how to juggle decisions about my infant’s care, like when to hold him and when to let him fall asleep on his own. And where should I draw the line for my older children—between intervening in their disagreements and letting them manage without…
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When You See Troubling Times Ahead, Try This – Philippians 4:5-9
In a previous post I mentioned how singing brings me comfort when I feel my life is spinning out of control. There’s another option, since singing isn’t always appreciated by those nearby. Maybe it will help you like it helps me in times like these. Imagine you’re on a roller coaster. Heavy chains rattle as…
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Comfort for When Life is Out of Control – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
I went through a season of depression when I felt frightfully out of control. I didn’t like being forced to admit such vulnerability, but life became so dark that no amount of positive self talk, counseling, Bible study, declarations of faith, or prayer could keep me steady. What can we do when important aspects of…
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Making the Most of Hard Times – Philippians 4:11-13
Do you get cranky when temperatures rise? I’m enjoying our spring weather so far, but you might want to back off if I’m in the sun too long. When I was a baby, my parents took me to Indiana to introduce me to our relatives at Anderson Camp Meeting. As the day wore on, the…
