“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV

It was a rough week. What could go wrong, did go wrong. I was lamenting my woes to a family member over the phone and expressing my dismay over the way life was treating me when he suddenly asked a question I have never forgotten: “I thought you were a Christian, Toni?”

“I am,” I replied.

“Then why are you so upset over these things? I thought a Christian was supposed to find joy in everything, regardless of the circumstances?”

You could have knocked me over with a feather! I was speechless for a moment, said a quick “help me know what to say Lord” prayer, then stumbled my way through an explanation he seemed to app...

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor. Romans 12:10

Concern for friends, family, and even total strangers has brought me to my knees and to what seems like endless tears. I read something very sad this morning about a woman I do not know personally, but to whom my heart is eternally connected. She is not my natural born sister, but a sister none the less; one whose heart is connected to mine by the power, love, and family bond of our Lord, Savior, and Friend, our precious Jesus. She is hurting and has reached out to those of us she does not know though her blog. Her heart is hurting over something her sister is going through and she asked her readers to pray. No details, just please pray. No details needed Beth; He already knows.

Sadness c...

Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. John 15:9-10

We’ve all had times when we feel like our prayers are falling on deaf ears. God, are You listening? Don’t You care about me anymore?

We recently had a wonderful discussion in my small group about this topic. Why does God heal some and not others? Why do some seem to have it all, while others of us must struggle?

I believe the answer is in knowing God has a plan and a purpose for everything in our lives. Regardless as to whether or not He chooses to heal, He still expects and deserves to be honored and loved...

Dear friends,

A sincere apology to all who have commented on one or more of my posts over the last few months and did not receive my reply. As with most things, I find myself learning the web-site world bit by bit.

I was under the impression that when I commented back to you (as I have for every comment), that you received my response via e-mail. Unfortunately, I was wrong. I failed to add the necessary link for that to occur so each response was only logged on the web-site and not delivered to you personally. I am so very sorry for that. I ask forgiveness if you have been offended in any way.

Thankfully, this issue has now been resolved and you will in fact receive responses from me in your e-mail. Yay!!

I want you to know how much I enjoy reading your comments...

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Then they remembered his words. Luke 24:1-8 NIV

Easter is always a difficult day...