An actual leaky roof gave a vivid picture of my nagging mouth. Rain battered the windows of my family room. I was sitting in my usual spot on the sofa, trying to watch a favorite show, but I wondered, “Will it happen again?” It did.…
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My Top Five Encouragement Phrases
Encouragement is defined as “to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope.”The prefix en means “to put into” and courage is defined as “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.” Encouraging words put strength into another person’s spirit—strength to keep…
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3 Positive Side-Effects of Giving Up Grumbling
Grumbling seems to be a national pastime. We moan when the weather is lousy. We complain about traffic. We gripe about disappointments. Why do we do this? Maybe it’s because complaining garners sympathy. Maybe it’s because it feels good to get something off your chest. Maybe it’s…
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When You’re Feeling Unsettled, Dissastified
I often live unsettled, dissatisfied. But sometimes this can be a good thing. This month I’m reading through the gospel of Mark. I’m slowly digesting one chapter a day. I’m allowing God’s words to unsettle my soul enough to draw me closer to Him and…
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If You’re Struggling with Emptiness, Learn How to Live Filled
Do you feel empty? This old story may help you to live filled. Once a professor went to visit an old monk famous for his wisdom. The monk graciously welcomed him in and offered him a seat. As soon as the professor sat down, he…
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How Disappointment Can Help Our Marriages Become More Satisfying
This guest post by my writer friend Dorothy Greco is an excerpt from her new book, Marriage in the Middle, which releases next week! Learn how disappointment can actually help our marriages! Enjoy this post and find out more about her book at the end.…
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Praise God Through the Psalms
Praising God isn’t always easy in this troubled world. But I find help in Scripture when I praise God through the psalms. King David wrote: “I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1) …
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Praising God by Name
What does praising God by name mean? Praising God by name means much more than simply using “God” or “Lord” or “Christ” in our worship. It means praising God’s character. King David wrote: “Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!”…
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The ABCs of Praise
Too often my conversations with God sound like a long list of things I want. They resemble a child’s Christmas wish list instead of worship of the Almighty. That’s when I go back to the beginning–the ABCs of Praise. Yes, my prayers almost always include…