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 wasn’t going to post again before Christmas, but I wanted to share links to a few books that I’m excited about.
Some I have read (and love) and others are waiting (patiently) for me on my Kindle. Continue reading
Did you ever long to be loved?
Not just the giddy, silly kind of love—but a love born of knowing and being known. A love so crazy and so deep that you can’t find words to wrap around it…
The kind of intimacy that doesn’t seem to exist in our culture…
We long for another soul to want to know us—and then to love us anyway. I guess the word we look for is unconditional…a type of love not based on performance or quotas or who we know… 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
Ruth Caye Jones, pastor’s wife and mother of five, was burdened by the chaos in her world. One day she was reading in the book of 2 Timothy and came upon these words in chapter 3: This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
Moved by the Holy Spirit, Ruth took paper and pencil from her apron pocket and wrote these words: 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 