Encouragement

“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV) It was time for spring cleaning in our home again, and I had finally reached the last room, the living room. After a few hours of pulling furniture out and starting to clean every nook and cranny, somehow the room looked worse and was a total mess. Everything was in disarray. Deep in thought, as I continued to clean, I thought about how this is what my life was — […]

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” Philippians 2:9-10 (ESV) When I was about 11 or 12 years of age, I was given a special Kiowa name from my grandfather on my mother’s side of the family. All of the Tsoodle family of the Red Tipi clan gathered together that day. Grampa George began to speak to the family. He said, “We have gathered today to give Huron a new […]

“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (NIV) Now and then you run across some lines in a song that just kind of hit you. As a songwriter, I hear a good one and tend to take notice of the way the words are put together. I find it really fascinating! The other day I stumbled on an old 1972 Tom T. Hall song on Satellite Radio that just kept cycling through my head. I couldn’t get it out of my mind. Soooo, I googled it and saved the words. It was […]

“And the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you little by little; you will be unable to destroy them at once, lest the beasts of the field become too numerous for you.” Deuteronomy 7:22 (NKJV) As we walk with Christ, many times we can be discouraged with our lack of progress and spiritual growth. We tend to remember most often our seasons of growth with great joy. Most precious to each follower of Christ is reflecting on when we became born again. What a blissful time indeed. Recently, I met someone who was discouraged by their lack […]

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’” Matthew 11:28 (NLT) My husband and I enjoy hiking in northern Idaho, which has many trails to choose from in beautiful mountainous parks. A lot of times, especially if I am walking up an incline carrying a backpack, it becomes tiring, and I need to rest. When I do rest, then I am able to finish walking up the trail and finish the hike with enjoyment. Rest helps us to be strengthened to keep going. A lot of […]