But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV) The novel I am writing and this series of blog posts, is inspired by this scripture. In my story I’ve named the tree the Spirit Tree. Even though there is …
I woke up with a full mind today. You know how it goes—the long list of things you need to do, aggravated by the things you didn’t get done the day before—all keeping you from falling back to sleep. It is a tug-of-war with me. Depression keeps me frozen in place thinking about everything, which …
I don’t always get along with my husband. Shocking! I know! Sometimes I want to stay mad at him even when he apologizes. I want him to know just how hurt or mad I am and I don’t want him to think he can get away with whatever it was that he did or didn’t …
Yesterday was a rough day for me. I had every intention of writing my blog, well at least I had it scheduled on my calendar. I woke up to our two Aussiedoodle puppies asking to cuddle on my lap, loving every minute. Then chaos starts. Puppy training is not going too well, and my imaginings …
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.Psalm 147:3,5 (ESV) January is a great month for reflection. By the time February rolls around I generally have a greater understanding of my hopes and dreams, and what changes I want to make …
You may recognize this photo. I had this made into a canvas print a few months back and have shared it twice on my blog. It hangs on my living room wall reminding me to give thanks to God each day. It has worked for me! Each night before I go to sleep I ask …
I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.Ephesians 1:18 (NLT) I hadn’t thought about the connection between hope and joy until it came up in my current devotional. It …
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”John 14:27 (NLT) This is a well known verse, but let’s take a deeper look. I often find myself not-at-peace. My worries and fears come to create …
And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.Ephesians 2:17-18 (ESV) If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.Romans 12:18 (AMP) The first verse reveals God’s …
So we aren’t depressed. But even if our bodies are breaking down on the outside, the person that we are on the inside is being renewed every day. Our temporary minor problems are producing an eternal stockpile of glory for us that is beyond all comparison. We don’t focus on the things that can be …
The Far Reaches of Grace 