He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.—Isaiah 53:3 NLT When I realized I had to cancel my spring break trip to visit my family in Texas, I was overcome with deep sorrow. I had longed for this…

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.—James 1:12 When I think of a crown, I think of a beautiful gem-studded head ornament. I do not think of a deadly virus. However, the coronavirus was given its name because…

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”—John 13:35 “See that?” my father gestured toward a tree trunk sharpened like the tip of a pencil, then toward another limb gnawed on both sides. It sure looked like evidence of beaver building to me. Then Dad led the group of us family members to the water’s…

 “Give, and you will receive gifts — the full measure, compacted, shaken together and overflowing, will be put right in your lap. For the measure with which you measure out will be used to measure back to you!”—Luke 6:38 I was a single mom, trying to support three kids on my own. Their father was in prison, and I received no child…

Wear shoes on your feet which are the Good News of peace.                      —Ephesians 6:15 NLV Carefully, I removed a shiny blue bulb from a paper carton and placed it on a welcome branch. My reflection bounced back at me, and my breath caught in my throat. At age 10, I couldn’t quite put into words the reverence for the Christmas season, but…

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.—Ephesians 6:13 One after another, people stepped up on the sidewalk and paused for a moment right in front of me and my friend, Joyce, as we enjoyed our meal from the…

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.—Jeremiah 17:7 With less than two weeks of summer break remaining, I decided to take a trip to spend the weekend with my Pennsylvania family. Quickly, I packed my suitcase and everything I would need for a few days away. Mentally, I went down the list. Medicine, chargers,…

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might—Ecclesiastes 9:10a My mother will turn 80 next week. This past Sunday we celebrated her birthday a little early. My siblings and I divvied up the responsibilities and threw her a surprise party. I was elected to give the tribute and pray over the meal. I felt anxious about what to…

I printed the car ride scavenger hunt form and brought it along to pick up my seven-year-old granddaughter, Addison, who was going to spend the day with me. Our first stop would be the movie theater to see Peter Rabbit. Although the theater is not far away, I knew Addison would enjoy the scavenger hunt, even for the short ride. It’s something…

You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. —Psalm 56:8 NLT Messages have been tossed into the sea since before the time of Christ, many to chart ocean currents but others as pleas for rescue or love. Recently, I read a fictitious seafaring message, a quote…