Preventing Offenses from Turning into Bitterness

Preventing Offenses from Turning into Bitterness

Our Pastor is teaching on “Offenses and Fences,” which got me thinking about a quote I read that rings true: “We judge ourselves on our intentions and others on their actions.” It’s impossible to understand another person’s intentions truly. Our perspective and actions develop using several factors, including our personal experiences. And friend, our personal experiences are so varied. Not only that, but how we react to those experiences is unique. You know what I…

How to Find God in Chaos

How to Find God in Chaos

It is H.O.T.! I am a born and bred Louisianian and a heat index of 110 still catches me by surprise.  I’m thinkin’ we need to adopt the afternoon siesta like my Mamaw D insisted on. Every afternoon after lunch, we all “laid down”, watched her “stories” (soap operas), and rested. Papaw D even settled down in his chair. Now, he liked to aggravate Mamaw with all his “messin’ and a gommin”, but y’all, he knew…

God’s Goodness is Chasing You Down

God’s Goodness is Chasing You Down

“Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6 (KJV) I memorized the 23rd Psalm as a child. My Sunday school teacher said I needed to (in the King James Version, of course), and as a rule follower, I did. Dear Teacher promised that when I needed its assurances the most, these verses would already be living in my heart, and I…

Living Graceful When Growth is Hard

Living Graceful When Growth is Hard

I’ve had growth and change on my mind this week. This quote from Rick Warren is one I can say I’ve experienced. “There is no growth without change, no change without fear or loss, and no loss without pain.” The question that seems to glare at us is, why is pain a part of growth? I don’t know about you, but I tend to make changes when my circumstances become painful. Don’t you wish we…