Do we feel a tad squeamish when turning to the evening news? Do thoughts of what we’ll hear this time make our hearts tighten?
The state of our union has been discussed, analyzed, argued, and criticized. Every media source is loaded with “experts” telling us how to think and what to feel.
Everyone has an answer.
But no one seems to know what to do and where to turn.
Maybe a little perspective is in order. Continue reading
My Dear Country,
Today, on your birthday, I want to say thank you. You are truly a land of opportunity—a place of freedom to live, work, worship, and raise a family.
You are a land of dreams—fertile soil for those with plans and vision. A springboard for reaching beyond ourselves and seeking God’s best.
Within your borders are the extraordinary: pastors, teachers, counselors, firefighters, law enforcement, scientists, artists, athletes, architects, doctors, researchers, designers, engineers, technicians, businessmen, students, and so much more. Continue reading
Today I have the privilege of being the featured blogger with the Just 18 Summers parenting website. If you haven’t checked out this online magazine, you’re missing an amazing resource for parents! There are daily articles on everything from planting seeds of faith in our children, to teaching responsibility, to unique crafting for every age group.
The site offers something for everyone in this incredible journey of raising our children.
Remember, we only have 18 summers!
In the aftermath of the Orlando tragedies, there is a chaotic blur of sorrow, asking why, placing blame, and searching for answers.
In the hours of news coverage, one survivor’s interview leaped out at me. I replayed the words several times and the weight of them sent me to the foot of the Cross.
I believe the words of this precious, hurting soul highlight our mission as Christians.
They are a call to action. Continue reading
So, I’m sitting at lunch with a group of writers at a recent conference. We chat about our food, the weather, where we’re from, and our present work-in-progress.
The nice man to my right seems genuinely interested in sharing our work and we exchange a couple of minutes of conversation. Then, as he turns to respond to someone else, my gaze drops to his name tag.
How about that. He has the same name as… Continue reading
Have you ever been so overcome in corporate worship that you wanted to jump from your seat, raise your hands and do a little twirl in the aisle?
It was only the fear of being carted off by a watchful usher that kept you in your seat.
Maybe the power of God’s Word being read aloud swept through you—challenging, probing, and magnifying every thought and intent. Continue reading
Oh, how I love this time of year! God is rousing His creation, tuning His orchestra, showcasing bits of beauty—each in their own time. The Creator of all lifts His hands and the daffodils and Bradford pears burst to life, lifting their respective yellow and white-flowered praises for anyone who has an ear to listen.
The Dogwoods are teasing, if you think that’s something, wait for me! Azaleas pause in quiet expectation. Hydrangeas and crepe myrtles strain with joy as they wait for their turns to glorify the Creator.
Oh, the loveliness! Continue reading
Oh Father, how I praise You for the promise of spring! When Your creation begins to awaken, it reminds me of Your constant presence and faithfulness. Precious Lord, do a new thing in me! Shine Your Spirit-light into the darkest corners of my heart—reaching, probing, drawing me into deeper waters with You. Thank you for making a way through the wilderness and for bringing streams of living water into the wasteland. I love You, my Lord and my Strength.
To say this has been an unusual political campaign season would be an understatement. Every news report of candidates hurling accusations and slurs makes the knots in my stomach tighten a little bit more. These folks aren’t just slinging mud—they’re rolling around like tawdry mud wrestlers while the gathering crowd works themselves into a frenzy. And the more coarse and vulgar the contenders, the more deafening the throng of onlookers.
If you’re like me, you are sick. Of. It. Continue reading
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)
Leigh Ann Thomas 