Prayer
-
Good Grief!
Good grief! It’s August. Are you wondering where the summer went? Me, too. Good grief! It’s hot outside today. Yes, even in Nebraska! Perhaps the expression brought to mind the iconic cartoon character with a zig-zag shirt. We all relate to ‘ole Chuck’s feelings from time to time. Today, let’s examine the words without the exclamation point—good grief. Can grief be good? We must remember that grief is our natural emotional and physical response to loss—any loss—including death, a job, home, community, lifestyle, or culture. Any change in routine or relationship can induce the pain and sorrow of grief. Can any good come from that? At first glance, it hardly…
-
Winning the Waiting Game
I have played the waiting game since childhood. As a kid, I eagerly looked forward to summer. In adolescence, the countdown to obtain my driver’s license began. As a young adult, I couldn’t wait to get married and have children. After standing up in eight weddings before my own, I felt like an eternal bridesmaid. Often, when our desires are delayed, such as when waiting for a job or the healing of a sick loved one, fear and anxiety kick in. So how do we cope while waiting? Here are three truths to help you win at the waiting game. God is at Work in the Wait We’re often…
-
Put on Your Boots and Step Out of the Garden of Regret
“I wish I’d have brought my boots,” my sister muttered as we unpacked. “We’re at a beach condo,” I said. “You won’t miss them much.” I was wrong. Most days the January chill kept our flip flops buried in our suitcases. I also wished I’d brought more shoes than sandals. Garden of Regret “I should have…” “Why didn’t I …” “If only I had said…” Recognize these phrases? They mark the way around a space I call the Garden of Regret. Now if you know me you know I love gardens. Nothing brings me more joy—except the beach—than to spend hours perusing trails lined with all sorts of flora. However,…
-
Worry or Worship? It’s a Choice
I hate to wait. Doesn’t everyone? Additionally, I am that person who, after perusing a menu a dozen times—making others wait—says to the server, “Take their orders first.” However, once my choice is made, it better come quick. You see, my chronic indecisiveness exacerbates my impatience. Once I settle on a matter, I want it now. Incidentally, I suspect indecisiveness is a family trait, but I haven’t quite decided. So, what are you waiting for? Are you a teacher or student waiting for Christmas break? Are you a parent waiting for a child to come home? I have a friend waiting for a job, another praying for a child, and…
-
Drop the Rock: Unloading Unforgiveness
As I dug through the stones, scraping and scratching each knuckle, I said to my husband, “Remind me never to use landscape rocks again.” I just might not take my advice though, because rocks amaze me. Whether smooth or rough, rocks can be used to beautify and build, or to damage and destroy. Have you ever considered the rocks in the Bible? Stones of the Bible Stones and rocks form the foundations for buildings. Christ is called our Cornerstone (1 Peter 2:4). They also serve as pillows (Genesis 28:1-11) and memorials (Joshua 4:1-8). Not always shown in a positive light, rocks cause people to stumble (1 Peter 2:8). Moses even…
-
Expect the Unexpected
I knew there was trouble when I saw my son’s phone number calling early in the morning. “I need dad,” he said when I answered. Ah! Must be a car thing. Yep. On his way to student teaching, the accelerator in my son’s car had stuck open. “And I am teaching today and being recorded!” he added. Unable to diagnose the car issue 1,000 miles away, we encouraged our son to seek another mode of transportation and worry about the car later. We hung up and prayers ensued. “God, help him to borrow a car. God, someone must have a car available! Help him find a generous person! Help him…
