I've been "away" for so long. Not myself. Grief can do that. But today is a new day. A day of hope. A day not to dwell on loss but on eternal life that Jesus promised. It's been three years since my mom ran into her Savior's arms and experienced more joy than any of …
Tag: joy
A Messy Race
Life is hard, even for Christians. ESPECIALLY for Christians. The world is watching, and that pressure can wear on us as we sense a magnifying glass aimed in our direction, inspecting everything we say and do, analyzing our every move. Our slip-ups bring cheers and finger-pointing with shouts of, "Aha! Hypocrite!" Our failures sting even …
Get Back Up
Don't let the enemy steal your joy, friends. Especially this time of year. He's going to try. You know this. If Satan can't discourage you from following Christ, then he's going to distract you with worldly things. And when those attempts don't work, he'll attack through people you love, even twisting what you enjoy. Before …
God First
Oh, my friends. Change can be hard, and God's pruning touch can be painful. But when we keep Him first, we will not only endure but thrive. This older post of mine is helping me today as the Lord prunes things from my life. I pray it helps you too, whatever situation you're facing. Keep …
God Knows Our Hearts
With dirt caked under my nails from working in the garden, I answered my sister-in-law's phone call and walked around our backyard while we talked. Suddenly, a butterfly floated in front of my face and around my head, its wings grazing my forehead. It landed on my right hand, the same hand I used to …
When God Paints the Grass Purple
I had the day mapped out before me, a neverending to-do list. But I felt God leading me to go for a walk. "Oh, Lord. I have so much to do." I debated. Do I risk slipping further behind and go for a walk or plunge into my list and start treading water? "Maybe just …
In His Presence
"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:11 NIV. You may be washing dishes or folding laundry today. Maybe you're going to drive someone to their appointment or pick the kids up from school. You …
A Moment to Reflect – Home
Sometimes you just have to push back the pain, the heartache, and all of the struggling and remember where you're headed. One day you'll see Jesus face to face and all of the sadness and pain of this world will have faded like the setting sun as you bask in the light of His glorious …
Joey Rudder 