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)
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
I was recently reminded of how thankful I am for boundaries.
The road in front of our home was repaved. And for three weeks, no lines.
You would think there would be a sense of freedom without lines. But to be honest, I was a nervous wreck.
There was a feeling of anything goes…drive wherever you like, as fast as you like. I couldn’t trust other cars to stay on their side of the road (and I barely trusted myself to remain on my side). Continue reading
Leigh Ann Thomas 