Struggles

God’s Care

Today I was talking with some friends about being persistent in prayer. People were talking about how God answers their prayers, even when it isn’t exactly the way you want it sometimes. One older gentleman said that there have been plenty of times when he has prayed for something specific and God’s answer has been […]

Out of the Pit

Much of today’s devotion from “Jesus Calling” really resonated with me. It talked about being in a state of depression and in the darkness. I feel like I have felt that way for quite some time until that past few months. The reflection is from Jesus’ standpoint as He says, “Your only hope is to […]

My Heart is a Violin

Today I heard part of the story of Shony Alex Brau. It was a story of incredible faith and relying on God. In short, he was a gifted violin player who was sent to concentration camps as a boy during the Nazi regime. At one point, he had to prove his musical capability or be […]

Continued Family Relationships

Today I was catching up with a friend who I would see every now and again as they came out to visit her husband’s family. They were struggling trying to help care for his parents while living in another state. His father passed away several years ago and his mother died just over a year […]

Mixed Messages

Today I went to meet some friends for lunch downtown. I didn’t even give thought to encountering protests and counter protests. The place was buzzing with activity. People were walking all the streets in all directions carrying signs with all different messages and flags of all different sorts. Later this evening, I saw parts of […]

Adult Adoption

I visited with a friend today who shared a heartwarming story with me. Many years ago, she began caring for her nephew as his parents were no longer capable of doing so. She loved him and raised him as her own. As he grew into young men, he married and started a family of his […]

Done with PT

Last year, after my mom died, I think my body retaliated. I had lots of strange things such as styes in my eye, more basal skin spots, and rapid weight gain. I was also in a lot of pain – particularly in my back. My doctor gave me the treatment options, one of which was […]

Pruned Tomato Plant

Several days ago, I bought a tomato plant and planted it in a pot outside. As the day went on, some of the branches were wilted. My sister realized that it had broken. She cut it off at the broken part and put the cutting in some water. It did start growing some roots, which […]

Replacing the Struggles

Today I came across a prayer that I thought was very relevant to me, and probably to many others as well: Replace the tension within uswith a holy relaxation.Replace the turbulence within uswith a sacred calm.Replace the anxiety within uswith quiet confidence.Replace the fear within uswith a strong faith.Replace the bitterness within uswith the sweetness […]

Beautiful Transformation

Today I talked with a far away friend who I haven’t spoken to in quite some time. She has struggled physically for years and has always done her best to stay independent. But as time went on, she fell more often and could no longer drive. We talked about what our children and grandchildren were […]