Like revolving skyward on a spiral escalator, my thoughts ascend to the realm of the Kingdom. “First things first,” I hear upon entry, for Kingdom matters are of utmost importance here. Rather than allowing lower things to feed anxiety into my mind, I turn my restless energy toward seeking Truth above. Breathing deeply of hope, I loiter among the promises …
By: Linda Merriott Retired educator and administrator of 38 years, Lubbock, TX How do we help our children develop good character and integrity? We have to be very intentional. If we are not, our children will be taught the character traits of the culture simply by default. One of the most important ways to develop character is to study God’s …
Imagination was my childhood sanctuary on those rural drives. With just a little inspiration from the passing Texas landscape, I could fabricate life-like figures from the pages of my mind. I envisioned fanciful deer leaping through rows of cotton upon a summer windshield. In October, I invented a window-wide audition of tiny raindrops, each showcasing their best to dance with …
“May I set the topic today?” Here between the morning light and my first cup of coffee, the Spirit arrested me and gave me pause. “You know I love to hear your heart,” He continued. “Your highs and lows, your hopes and anxieties. But We have covered this particular ground already, haven’t we? We’ve talked about these fears extensively over …
“He has been looking forward to this party all week. We told him he could stay up late and eat with the adults. That’s a big deal when you are four.” Issac’s dad was right, and as the night progressed, we discovered that this particular preschooler had a definite bent toward the theatrical. At first, he mingled with each guest, …
Over the last several years, opinions have bombarded me with many ideas. Every thought shared with me contains strong assumptions toward a premise, and I’ve watched friends argue with friends regarding conclusions. On the media, one outlet will trumpet one point of view while another heralds the opposite. Even strong Christians find themselves swimming in a river of mixed reviews, …
Let me begin this introduction to say that I really love this girl. Over the past 18 years, we’ve prayed together, cried together, and laughed together until we’ve snorted. But what especially endears me to Amanda Walker is her ability to grapple with truth. Today’s post is no exception. She will have you grappling too. On April 25th, 2019 an …
In the dream, I was a little girl again scrubbing a stain on the linoleum. On hands and knees, I scoured the inky blot as an unseen figure stood over me. Forced at the task until the sickening discoloration disappeared, I kept my head down as my tears mingled with the blackness of the blot. Each time I awoke, I …
“I struggle with depression.” “My thought loops with negative self-talk.” “I can’t seem to shake these feelings of inadequacy.” I hear comments like these all the time. Although our lives are among the most prosperous on the planet, our thoughts swirl with famine and dryness. Why is this? I believe the kingdom of fear is alive and well in our …
“I’ll never change. I’ve always been like this. My father was a loser and now I am just following in his footsteps.” My heart broke as her eyes gazed far away at an imaginary, (yet in her mind) inevitable future. Despite her belief in Jesus, her eyes seemed blinded to the truth of her heritage in Christ. …
