Big camp is no doubt designed to bring us many spiritual blessings and opportunities, but our focus and feelings along the way can enhance or inhibit that blessing. When setting goals, we are encouraged to take charge of the inputs rather than try to control the outcomes (Eyal, 2019). For example, I will exercise every…
There are many voices in the world vying for our attention. Some encourage, some discourage, like the voice of a loving mother singing soothingly to calm her child to sleep. Likewise, there is a voice of encouragement seeking to calm and give us the courage to engage meaningfully in 2024. We choose every day which…
Even though the fridge is empty and the pantry shelves are bare; even though the rates keep rising and the fuel prices are insane; even though the drought drags on then floods plunder the earth… Yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! Even though the…
I am a plant slayer. Don’t get me wrong – I love plants. I feel so relaxed when out in nature, surrounded by trees, grass, and other magnificent greenery and flowers. But somehow the skill of keeping plants alive often eludes me. I’ve been given a variety of different plants as gifts over time, and…
I sing praises to You. The sun is shining and my heart is full. I can hear the birds singing and laughter ringing. I sing praises to You. The clouds are starting to crowd in. The hurt is pressing in blocking out the joy of Your presence. Still, I sing praises to You. The smile…
Joy to me is found Sitting sun-soaked by the water In fellowship with the creator As every transgression and burden is washed away through His mercy It’s gaping at the vast radiant skies And seeing the goodness and love in His eyes It’s sitting by the still quiet waters, gleaming, as He refreshes my soul…
The Sabbath is a sanctuary from the rampant busyness of the everyday. It is not rare for me to spend my week dreaming of the Sabbath rest. It is even more tempting to imagine what an entire week of Sabbath would feel like and how I would feel after it. Imagine not working for a…
“What is joy to you?” I asked my friend as we were driving home one afternoon. “I connect joy with peace,” she replied. “It’s being rooted in something deep that can’t be taken away by external circumstances; being calm despite the storms surrounding you.” I know what you’re thinking, and yes, my friend is a…
It’s nearing closer and closer to Christmas! And you know what that means – time to get your playlist for Christmas day in check. If you are wanting to create the ultimate song list, here are some of my own personal tips to assist you: Tip 1: Contain a well rounded variety of festive tunes…