A Friend in the Stormby Cheryl Ricker Soothing quotes, Scripture and poetry combine to point the reader to Heaven’s healing arms. The first time I met Cheryl Ricker I experienced one of those instances of immediate friendship that don’t happen very often. She’s such a sweet, genuine lady, with a beautiful smile and ready laugh – the kind of person …
Book Review – Nightshade
Nightshade by Ronie Kendig Soldiers all across the globe are returning home to their families after brutal tours of duty. They are discharged from the service. . .and on their own. Meet Max Jacobs, one of these discarded heroes, as he faces a wall of failure—in his career, his friendships, and his marriage. Failing again—this time to end his life—he …
Praying Psalm 77 – Unseen Footprints
This morning I was treated to another enlightening session during my exercise of praying through the Psalms. Psalm 77 begins with the cries of someone who feels that the Lord has abandoned him. He wonders if God has turned away from him, and doubts if God loves him anymore. I can identify with the Psalmist. At times in my life, …
Symphony of Rain
I sit in my prayer chair and experience the quiet, intense joy of a cold morning rain. Drops fall steadily against the tree leaves outside my open window. Each drop strikes a leaf with a rhythm all its own, some as light as a newborn’s sleepy coo, others firmly, as a drummer strikes the tightly stretched surface of his instrument. …
Praying Psalm 71 – A Life With God
Though I’ve enjoyed daily Bible study and prayer for many years, my morning devotional time has taken on a new depth during my latest exercise of praying through the psalms. I’m constantly amazed at the treasures I find in words penned thousands of years ago — inspiration, deep worship, relevance for the situations in which I find myself, comfort, wisdom. …
The Berenstain Bears and a Job Well Done
The Berenstain Bears and a Job Well Done by Jan and Mike Berenstain The Berenstain Bears have been around a long time. My daughter used to love these books when she was little, and now I’m delighted to be able to read them to the next generation of my family. The stories are as delightful as ever, full of terrific …
Welcoming a New Member of my Family
If my Journal is looking a little neglected lately, that’s only because it has been. I’ve become completely absorbed in a different pastime — staring adoringly at the newest member of my family, my new grandson. I have become one of those insane grandmothers who fills her purse with snapshots and accosts strangers at the post office. Or the grocery …
Book Review – In the Big Inning
In the Big InningBible Riddles from the Back Pew written by Mike Thalerillustrated by Jared Lee Do you know a child who likes jokes? If so, this is the book for them! Full of riddles with a Bible theme, each riddle is colorfully illustrated and designed to tickle young funny bones. My favorite: “How do you know they rode motorcycles …
Praying Psalm 58 – Really?
I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I’ve been praying the Psalms in my morning Bible study and prayer time. I’m absolutely loving it. It’s amazing how God’s Word comes alive, how I find relevance and truth for my life today in words penned thousands of years ago. This morning’s Psalm was… uh… interesting. It was written by David, …
Olive Trees in Psalm 52
But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever. (Psalm 52:8, NIV) Trees don’t flourish in my house. Even simple house plants dehydrate and die from lack of care. I’m a lousy plant caretaker. I’m so glad God is much more attentive than I. A flourishing …