Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. (Romans 12:9-13 NIV)
I must confess…I’m rather glad the Valentine’s Day hoopla is behind us. My sweetheart and I were growing weary of ads showing us how to show “true love” to each other. Seriously. How many diamonds and teddy bears does a girl need? (I won’t argue with the chocolate…I mean, some things are non-negotiable).
But all the rush to spend big bucks on stuff got me to thinking. After 32 years of marriage, what are my favorite memories of Valentine’s Days, anniversaries, and birthdays? What “gifts” outlasted the flowers and boxes of chocolate? Continue reading
We all have them—times that our feet get knocked out from under us. Life happens and we feel blind-sided by pain and sorrow.
Betrayal. Death. Financial hardship. Sickness. Job loss.
We feel trapped in a cloud of confusion and no matter how hard we pray, we can’t feel God’s presence or see His hand in our circumstances. Continue reading
Father, may I rest in the knowledge that You always keep Your promises. Help me to learn from the example of Abraham to be unwavering in my faith as I seek to give glory to You. When I am weak and unsteady, thank you for being Faithful and True. Continue reading
We all have them—days we don’t feel like praising God. Maybe we’re exhausted and can’t even find the words to offer the feeblest prayer.
Maybe we’re convinced that God could never use us, because honestly…why would He?
The song, “Shout to the Lord” has led millions in worship to our Lord. But guess what? It wasn’t penned during a mountain-top experience. The words filled the heart of a young mother as she struggled to maintain peace in an upside-down life. Continue reading
Last week I wrote about a man who made a positive impact on others because of the way he approached his workday. My husband met him on a hospital elevator and in a matter of seconds, this man touched the lives of myriad others.
No, he wasn’t a doctor, nurse, or other medical personnel. He wasn’t an administrator. In fact, his work falls into the “invisible” category—you would only notice if it wasn’t done. Continue reading
Well, here we are—2016!
Amazing.
Nutrisystem and Weight Watchers are counting their stacks of cash, gym memberships are soaring, and good intentions are as plentiful as good ‘ole southern biscuits (which, by the way, wreak havoc on the good intentions). Continue reading
So, I was feeling all “crafty.”
I took plain wooden letters and smeared a touch of Vaseline on the edges (recommended by one of my crafty daughters). Then I spray-painted the letters, let them dry, and wiped off the Vaseline.
Voila! Almost-instant “distressing.” Then I brushed antiquing paint over the top—all to disguise the fact that I bought the letters at Hobby Lobby a few hours before. Continue reading
My country tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died!
Land of the Pilgrim’s pride!
From every mountain side,
Let freedom ring!
My native country, thee,
Land of the noble free,
Thy name I love.
I love thy rocks and rills,
Thy woods and templed hills;
My heart with rapture fills
Like that above.
Let music swell the breeze,
And ring from all the trees
Sweet freedom’s song.
Let mortal tongues awake;
Let all that breathe partake;
Let rocks their silence break,
The sound prolong.
Our father’s God to, Thee,
Author of liberty,
To Thee we sing.
Long may our land be bright
With freedom’s holy light;
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God, our King!
by Samuel Francis Smith
Father God, thank you for the amazing gift of freedom. Thank you for those who have served, sacrificed, and died that we may have life. And Father, we praise You for the gift of Your Son, who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the ultimate gift—freedom from a life without You. Thank you, Jesus. We love and praise You.
“If you’re looking to fall in love with God 
and His Word and see it make a difference in your life, you’re in the perfect place. That’s my goal, too. Let’s do it together.” —Jean Wilund
Jean is also a fellow football fan 🙂 (Although I’m a tad concerned about the NC State VS. Clemson game coming up…yes, she’s a Tiger’s fan)
So, when you get a chance, hop on over to Join the Journey! Check out Football, Fireworks, and a Big Green Piano, then hang around with Jean and soak up come GREAT Bible teaching.
Have a blessed day and GO PANTHERS! (and WOLFPACK!)
Leigh Ann Thomas 