Friday I stood in a place I really didn't want to be. And as deep as the pain was for me, I can't imagine how much deeper it was for my older sister, whose first grandson was ushered into heaven. If pain and sorrow could be gauged by numbers, I don't think there would be enough numbers in the world to calculate the pain of my niece and nephew, as they stood by the casket of their precious baby boy … [Read more...] about A Prayer for Hurting Hearts
Prayer
Restore Me Prayer
As I have read Psalm 107 the last few days as part of the Restore Me Bible reading plan, I've been praying to comprehend all that the passage conveys. I have a tendency to want to skip over repetitive portions of the Psalms, but I long for it to have the opposite effect. Repetition should make me sit up and pay attention. Why does the psalmist repeat the same phrases? If we think of the psalm … [Read more...] about Restore Me Prayer
4 Ways to Experience Peaceful Prayers
In a world of chaos and confusion, discovering a peaceful setting feels like finding a gold mine. Does it seem that way to you? Shining and glistening away from busy distractions and disturbances, a few moments of quiet is a beautiful gift. My hope is that you are experiencing quietness in your current season of life, even if for only a few moments at a time. While taking time to … [Read more...] about 4 Ways to Experience Peaceful Prayers
A Prayer for When You Are Grieving
When life is difficult and especially when loved ones enter heaven ahead of us, it's hard to pray. Oh, I know. Grief shouldn't put a halt on our faith; it shouldn't keep us from praying. But sometimes we can't find words to express the depths of our hearts. Sometimes the process of filtering through our minds to lasso a group of words together feels impossible. Since the beginning of this … [Read more...] about A Prayer for When You Are Grieving
A Prayer to Empower Moms
Parenting is hard work, amen? It's both hard work and heart work. It's long days, short days, good days and bad days. I've been mom-ing for over 22 years now. Through many stages and phases, I can tell you one thing for sure: God loves mothers. He loves mamas because He created them. He loves mamas because He uses them. He must love mamas because He gave one to Jesus. Think about that! And … [Read more...] about A Prayer to Empower Moms
Rescue Me Prayer
Life on planet earth is complex, isn't it? I've been reading the book of Psalms almost every day since the first of the year. Some days I just read one or a few verses and other days, I read several chapters. Last week I read Psalm 69. And then I read it again. And again. I originally highlighted verses 13-18: But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O … [Read more...] about Rescue Me Prayer
A Prayer for America
5 years ago, I wrote a prayer for America. My heart was torn and I felt so desperate for my country as I wrote the prayer. The feeling hasn't changed because we still need God's love to reign in our country. Some would say now more than ever. In thinking over the personal freedoms I have and preparing to celebrate Independence Day, I wanted to share a prayer for America once more. Join me in … [Read more...] about A Prayer for America
7 Ways to Pray Against Worry
Once worry strikes, it can be incredibly difficult to stop. I don't have to tell you this because you've experienced it. One small thought of care entered your mind and before long, your brain transformed into full-blown anxious mode. In the Soul Secure Bible reading plan and journal, I emphasize that in order to win over worry, we must catch ourselves choosing that first worried thought before it … [Read more...] about 7 Ways to Pray Against Worry