tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30976079021296355432012-01-27T07:30:24.789-06:00Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.comBlogger1381100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-24753378929131155702012-01-27T07:30:00.000-06:002012-01-27T07:30:24.802-06:00

By Bill EllisSpecial to ASSIST News Service SCOTT DEPOT, WV (ANS) --Do you ever find inspiration, encouragement, guidance and even a little humor in unexpected places? Those are the surprises of life. They may startle you or as some say, "It knocked me for a loop." It was a mental and emotional shock. It woke you up. It did not take my breath away, but I laughed at one little sign in

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-24610382892856827112012-01-23T08:01:00.000-06:002012-01-23T08:01:04.086-06:00

By Dionna Sanchez © 2010 Women love to control things. Deny it if you will, but we do. We feel more secure if we can have everything planned out and go according to that plan. We tend to be a little "high maintenance" in what we require of those in our homes and lives as well as with ourselves. Yes, we are managers by nature. Our children are so lucky that we tend to gravitate towards

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-17206504511794980122012-01-19T09:05:00.000-06:002012-01-19T09:05:17.524-06:00

By Sydney Chhabra © 2012 What is this term “codependency” we often hear about? Webster's dictionary defines codependency as an “excessive emotional or psychological reliance on a partner, typically one with an illness or addiction.” Over time, however, this definition has expanded to include relationships that may or may not involve addiction or illness. In essence, if you are so absorbed in

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-31331954092523552442012-01-16T07:44:00.000-06:002012-01-16T07:44:48.665-06:00

By Trudy Den Hoed © 2012 New Year resolutions? I’ve often made them only to drop them before I even get to the end of January. Perhaps I didn’t make them specific or realistic enough, or perhaps I didn’t really make a heart commitment to them. Usually my resolutions related to outward changes such as writing goals or weight loss, but this year I want to make a heart commitment to a

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-63279391112976621682012-01-12T07:15:00.000-06:002012-01-12T07:15:59.189-06:00

by Sharon Hodde © 2007 Last night I saw a friend do one of the bravest things I've ever witnessed. For a long time now, my friend has been wrestling with a certain sin in her life that has come back to haunt her again and again, but instead of hiding it and harboring it in her life (like I do!) she called her closest friends and asked us to come over and pray for her release from it. I have

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-77946479642069698452012-01-08T13:56:00.000-06:002012-01-09T08:01:26.573-06:00

By Sydney Chhabra © 2011 Sometimes we choose to create change in our lives and other times change occurs outside our realm of control. Either way, we find ourselves adjusting to a new situation or a whole new way of life. How you manage change determines how peaceful or miserable you are determined to be! Here are 5 effective ways to manage life's changes without making yourself miserable:

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-89610865761763735922012-01-02T07:57:00.000-06:002012-01-02T07:57:25.712-06:00

By Sydney Chhabra Photo by Matt Van Hook of GregRon Photography. Used with permission. As we approach the closing of one year, most of us set our sights on the New Year with great enthusiasm and excitement by setting goals and anticipating the changes they will bring. So why does that great gusto with which we start the New Year wither towards the end of January? Why do some people stick

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-63994224966162425882012-01-01T20:41:00.000-06:002012-01-03T11:53:05.966-06:00

Here is January's Words of Strength. Remember it is easily accessible all month long from the tab above, and year round from the archive at the right.   New Year By Kristi Bothur © 2011 “Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told” (Habakkuk 1:5, NIV) How many of you are

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-31913046308455909562011-12-28T13:25:00.000-06:002011-12-28T13:25:40.456-06:00

Readers, Let's spread the word. When you see a great movie to talk about it, right? Well, let's talk about books instead. For the month of July I would like to feature books our readers have read that have helped them in overcoming difficult circumstances in their lives. If you have a book or two or three that were tremendously helpful to you and you would like to recommend them, please email me

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-10384652344378529832011-12-26T07:53:00.002-06:002011-12-26T07:53:17.630-06:00

December 26, 2011 I pray you have had a wonderful Christmas (or Hanukkah or Kwanzaa) and that you are enjoying the season. I am on vacation so there will be no new articles posted until later this week. As I pray and contemplate the direction of Glory and Strength for 2012, I ask you, my readers, what issues would you like to read about; what are you struggling with and where do you need help

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-53690942381774474352011-12-21T07:18:00.000-06:002011-12-21T07:18:26.173-06:00

by Kimberly Chastain © 2009 Have you always dreamed of a Norman Rockwell Christmas - where everyone is singing Christmas carols and there is joy in the house? Alas, your Christmas memories are often filled with Uncle Joe getting drunk and your parents ending up in a fight. By the end of Christmas day family members are mad and no one is talking to one another. Christmas can be very

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-60549845976373502082011-12-20T08:39:00.000-06:002011-12-20T08:39:31.298-06:00

By Poppy Smith Instead of a houseful of kids and their little ones running around laughing, crying, playing with toys and sneaking treats, this year my husband, Jim, and I will be home alone for Christmas. My automatic reaction is to feel sad—but I am glad that all of them will be celebrating the coming of Jesus with their in-laws. After all, we are usually the ones who get that privilege!

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-71943500349921508312011-12-19T07:59:00.000-06:002011-12-19T07:59:14.269-06:00

by Alan Allegra © 2009 Many of us whose memories are slipping are old enough to remember Elvis singing, “But I’ll have a blue, blue blue blue Christmas.” Stuttering aside, his point was that, instead of red and green and white, his sorrows would paint a predominantly blue Christmas. For many, the joyous sounds of others at Christmas time only echo sadly within the hollow memories of happier

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-24316545894176926982011-12-11T15:44:00.001-06:002011-12-11T15:46:19.574-06:00

By Dr. Charles W. Page Do you recall trying to sleep on Christmas Eve while waiting for Santa to come to town? The anticipation of Saint Nicolas and all his goodies was just too much—who could sleep? The lyrics of Santa Claus is Coming to Town taunted me. “He sees you when you’re sleeping—he knows when you’re awake…” I tossed and turned trying to fall asleep, fearful I’d miss out on Santa’s

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-90587301165245991632011-12-08T06:59:00.001-06:002011-12-08T07:03:18.915-06:00

By Connie Hilton Dunn © 2011 “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”   ~From a headstone in Ireland I got the call while I was at Bible study. At first I didn’t answer, but when I saw the flashing envelope on my cell phone, I thought I’d better return the call, just in case. My father suffered from poor health the last few years, and I wanted to

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-11110886272943708292011-12-04T20:26:00.001-06:002011-12-05T06:46:46.312-06:00

By Kristi Bothur © 2011 "I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. Luke 1:38 Photo by M. Reed Butterfield If you are reading this, you are probably in the ranks of those who have experienced a detour in life. At some point, your plans have been derailed – by sickness, loss, financial struggles, relationship issues, whatever – and now you are on a different path than you originally

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-76402414805265919042011-11-28T06:35:00.000-06:002011-11-28T06:35:18.808-06:00

By Connie Hilton Dunn © 2011 There I was—alone in the middle of Lake Palestine. I couldn’t believe my sister Linda had abandoned me. While riding wave runners, we had somehow lost track of each other. I buzzed the perimeter of the lake, enjoying the ripple of the waves, a blue heron soaring overhead. When I spotted a familiar white building, I headed that direction, but as I got closer, I

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-35444995325951279432011-11-25T06:47:00.001-06:002011-11-25T09:07:50.010-06:00

By Cindy Laverty Thanks to advancements in medical science, Americans are now living longer than a generation ago. Presently, 36.5 million people or 12 percent of the U.S. population are 65 years of age or older. Within this group, nearly five million are age 85 or older. It is estimated that by the year 2050, 87 million Americans (21 percent) will reach age 65 and beyond. While extending

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-70286891623456069012011-11-20T23:17:00.001-06:002011-11-21T06:29:30.706-06:00

By Cindy Laverty © 2011 Someone asked me the other day to list five (only five) things that EVERY caregiver should know...five things that would really help them figure things out. It was a big challenge for me because there are hundreds of things someone needs to know. But I wracked my brain for a few days and decided that these were the TOP FIVE! 1. Now don't freak out! You don't have

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-17182451063526790012011-11-18T06:17:00.001-06:002011-11-18T06:35:44.905-06:00

by Elaine Marie Cooper When we sit down at our Thanksgiving meal this month, we’ll be recreating a celebration that is as old as our country: sharing food with loved ones while thanking the God Who has provided the abundance. While we understand that the First Thanksgiving was celebrated here by the Mayflower survivors along with the Indians that had helped them, the first official

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-21863584869875964672011-11-13T16:23:00.001-06:002011-11-14T12:00:17.095-06:00

By Danielle Ripley-Burgess © 2011 I woke up, somewhat foggy, to my parents gazing over me in my hospital bed. The good news: no cancer discovered on this second surgery. The bad news: the surgery itself, performed to save my hormone function before pelvic radiation, made me medically sterile. My mom looked like a ghost had walked by. My dad looked guilty. The doctor insisted my surgery

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-16889266203023153962011-11-07T06:45:00.002-06:002011-11-07T06:56:08.152-06:00

by Greg Baker © 2010 I pastor a church. I have my own opinions about God, religion, society, heaven, hell, salvation, government, and right and wrong. My views are strictly biblical, but that won't stop other Christians and Bible believers from criticizing my stand and beliefs let alone the non-believers. If you take a stand on anything, you will be criticized for it. But there are a variety

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-8067729778250778342011-11-03T06:40:00.000-05:002011-11-03T06:40:41.115-05:00

This article by guest columnist Teresa Tierney is available all month from our "Growing in Glory" tab.  Thankful—For This? By  Teresa Tierney © 2011 Scripture tells us to give thanks in all circumstances. (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV) It’s easy to thank God during the happy events of our lives but how do we give thanks during those less than happy days? Does God want us to fake it? I believe

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-45747490343230041942011-11-02T05:55:00.000-05:002011-11-02T05:55:52.559-05:00

You can easily find "Giving Thanks" all month long by clicking on the "Words of Strength" tab above.  Giving Thanks by Kristi Bothur © 2011 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-30846211251412156212011-10-31T06:30:00.000-05:002011-10-31T06:30:41.690-05:00

Apology - How to Deliver a True Apology By Arthur J. Grossman © 2011 Has anyone ever apologized to you, and it seemed lackluster? Do some apologies sound more like excuses for bad behavior? What is a true apology and why does the quality of an apology matter? Many attempts to make an apology resemble the following: "I apologize for whatever I might have done." "If you were hurt

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-57079766709185577532011-10-24T06:41:00.002-05:002011-10-24T06:41:33.671-05:00

by Alan Allegra © 2011 Photo by Mark R. Butterfield copyright 2011 I had a brief conversation with an old friend recently. These days, the friends seem older and the conversations more brief! We were remarking on the shipwrecked economy, the floundering job market, and the fishy political scene:Friend: "How do people without faith deal with all the uncertainty?"Me: "Quick answer: Alcohol,

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-24270402960382197692011-10-21T08:12:00.001-05:002011-10-21T08:12:48.453-05:00

I received this little story via an email from my sister. I wish I knew who wrote it so I could give proper credit. Let God work a miracle through you. It can happen! After reading the story, check out Bruce Wilkinson's book You Were Born for This: 7 Keys to a Life of Predictable Miracles. Be sure to use the Amazon search box to the right and support the work of Glory and Strength while you

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-14934130776290486262011-10-17T06:52:00.000-05:002011-10-17T06:52:16.637-05:00

How to Build Trust by Greg Baker © 2010 It is much easier to lose someone's trust than it is to gain it. And few people are comfortable when someone says, "Trust me." Having to say it at all makes a fellow wonder.Love is something that you give. Trust is something that you earn. It always takes significantly longer to gain someone's trust than it does to lose it. So if you have someone's trust,

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-68703868826462372592011-10-14T07:22:00.000-05:002011-10-14T07:22:29.359-05:00

Life Lessons from The Help  Pain Happens in a Broken World By Poppy Smith Have you read or seen the movie, THE HELP? If you have, you know it is a story about racism and the treatment of black maids who worked for white people in the South. People’s reactions range from outrage at the humiliation blacks have often received, to charges that it was biased and untrue. I came out

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-81720147453954399452011-10-10T06:13:00.001-05:002011-10-10T06:13:35.484-05:00

By Debra L. Butterfield © 2011 On Friday, someone broke into my apartment and walked out with my laptop. I’m thankful it was only my laptop and not everything else that could have been quickly sold at the pawn shop. All the same, my laptop had personal information on it that I now must take extra action to protect. Oh, I’ve read the articles about documenting your household items and credit

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-36784131811152243582011-10-05T07:03:00.000-05:002011-10-05T07:04:04.059-05:00

By Kristi Bothur © 2011 “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16 Have you noticed that every month there is

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-72973586996781254452011-10-04T06:17:00.000-05:002011-10-04T06:17:20.455-05:00

By Jenni Saake © 2011 When I was a little girl I was in a musical. One of the catchy tunes included the words, “Self-control is just controlling yourself. It's listening to your heart and doing what is smart. Self-control is the very best way to go, so I think that I'll control myself.” Cute song, but I'm afraid the definition of “listening to my heart” doesn't always lead me in the best

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-8353512787532597462011-10-03T07:33:00.000-05:002011-10-03T07:33:31.448-05:00

The Forgiveness Song By Teri Daniels © 2011 “What he did is unforgivable. Don’t you agree?” Shelly asks this question nearly every time I see her. I knew she didn’t want to hear my answer, so I gave her the sad grimace she expected, allowing her to continue to vent about her soon-to-be-ex-husband. The first time she asked this question, I gave her the traditional Christian response, “God

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-8628068932221839512011-09-26T06:00:00.000-05:002011-09-25T06:25:49.095-05:00

Choice Points: 6 Ways to Make Good Choices by Darla Arni I love choices! Choices can empower and allow us to intentionally choose our next steps in accordance to our values and goals. I hate choices! Sometimes we make bad choices which compel us to fix the situation as fast as we can with more choices. It is a dilemma of life. Each of us makes choices everyday without giving them much thought

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-67087544471401793372011-09-19T07:00:00.000-05:002011-09-19T07:00:28.708-05:00

Choices  by Debra L. Butterfield © 2011 Jacob stood stunned as he stared at the blood-stained coat his sons placed in his hands. He pulled open the folds of cloth now crusty with blood, and his heart sank.                 “Do you recognize it, Father? Is it Joseph’s?”                 “Yes. There’s no mistaking it.” Jacob faltered back and fell to his knees. “Oh, Joseph, oh Joseph, my

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-5471096613181878612011-09-12T07:00:00.000-05:002011-09-12T07:00:11.489-05:00

Circling Forwardby Debbie OConnor  It all started with a wrong turn outside the Valley Plaza. It was 1976, and my mother had not been driving long. This was our first venture beyond the local grocery, school and church. Valley Plaza, our city’s mall, was on the opposite side of Bakersfield from our home. We took California Highway 58 West and merged with California 99 South and within minutes we

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-56019959455411242972011-09-11T19:00:00.000-05:002011-09-11T19:00:00.394-05:00

This article is accessible all month long from our "Words of Strength" tab. Passed By? By Kristi Bothur © 2011 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. Acts 3:6-7 Have you ever felt like God just wasn’t

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-24695568880654132882011-09-11T14:16:00.003-05:002011-09-11T14:16:56.751-05:00

This article is readily accessible all month long from our "Growing in Glory" tab. Gentle Anger? By Jenni Saake © 2011 I recently blew it, BIG TIME! I had been wronged so I got angry. I used my hurt as justification to completely loose my temper. The brutal bite of my unbridled words deeply injured someone I love. I could give a ton of excuses about what went wrong – hormones, stress,

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-5311292714706421652011-09-09T06:42:00.001-05:002011-09-09T06:42:54.348-05:00

By PeggySue Wells Ready to move your life forward? Want to make a positive change by noon? Here is a step that guarantees positive results. Stop blaming. Certainly there are things on our life script we would not have put there. And blame is a mechanism to discharge pain and discomfort. However, whether I blamed my husband, parents, boss, or myself, blame kept me cemented in the same spot.

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-86812618122844335542011-08-18T09:35:00.000-05:002011-08-18T09:35:24.281-05:00

By Carla McDougal Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. Deuteronomy 6:5,7 Excitement’s in the air! Anticipation rises. It’s that time of year when the kids go back to school.

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-80977781582942653492011-08-12T09:25:00.000-05:002011-08-12T09:25:11.313-05:00

Today's guest blogger is Troy Jackson who offers us a lighthearted look at a subject that has caused friendships to die and churches to split up. Let's join in the fun.  Pan Theologyby Troy Jackson © 2011 Recently a group of friends and I entered into a discussion on whether or not Adam had a naval. It was a completely civil discussion, and we reached no conclusions, but it reminded me of some

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-30032178265010080442011-08-08T09:41:00.000-05:002011-08-08T09:41:11.266-05:00

When I listen to television news, I quickly conclude 2011 has been a brutal year. Not just here in the United States, but everywhere. Bad news attracts attention, but is depressing and discouraging. When I’m in the car, I listen to a Christian station called K-LOVE. Their news covers the positive things individuals and churches are doing to help people impacted by devastating events such as the

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-4208135737136208702011-08-04T10:35:00.000-05:002011-08-04T10:35:35.395-05:00

A recent tidbit I heard on the radio stated that if given a choice of giving up their make-up or their boyfriend, an overwhelming majority of women would give up their boyfriend! An additional item stated that some 67 percent of men would dump their girlfriend if she gained too much weight. Do you find that shocking? The apostle Paul probably wouldn’t. Here’s what he had to say in 2 Timothy 3:2,

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-11571511487091716372011-06-06T07:49:00.000-05:002011-06-06T07:49:06.203-05:00

I have seen my share of crises—divorce, a factory accident that left permanent damage, a fire that gutted the basement of our home, and the sexual abuse of my daughter, to name a few. I understand the emotional, mental and physical fallout. I have been fortunate enough to have had two things that helped me weather hardship: faith in God, and friends. Unless you are a hermit, I expect you know,

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-70365701157683465282011-05-30T10:43:00.000-05:002011-05-30T10:43:43.618-05:00

Memorial Day began as a day of remembrance for those who gave their life in service to their country. Over the years, it has become a holiday to remember and honor our dead, whether they served in the military or not. Holidays are days we celebrate, but they can also lead to a wave of grief because they remind us of family who are no longer here. Counselors sometimes call this “anniversary

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-91389830877016353372011-05-20T09:02:00.001-05:002011-05-20T09:06:18.236-05:00

Three Super-Simple Kick Start Living Your Dreams – in the next 15 minutes By Kathi Lipp Is there a dream that God has given you, but you are waiting until the kids are grown and you have money in the bank before you get started? You may not be able to enroll in a month long pastry making class or take a week off of work to get started on your novel, but today you can take three little baby

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-72465783453334720762011-03-23T12:25:00.000-05:002011-03-23T12:25:37.451-05:00

Terrorists bombed a bus in Israel today wounding 31 people and killing 1. Civil war is tearing Libya apart and impacting the world. An earthquake, tsunami and nuclear plant failures wrought disaster in Japan. Fear can leave us wondering, What’s going to happen next and how close to home will it strike? The psalmist King David wrote “The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need” (Psalm 23:1,

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-68478082156391549412011-03-18T07:33:00.000-05:002011-03-18T07:33:56.335-05:00

Tell us a little about your background and how you got into the ministry. “My parents were evangelists and from the time I was a little girl, I thought I wanted to go into some kind of ministry. As I grew up, dreams of reaching people for God took a back seat to reaching for happiness and peace in everything the world had to offer. For six years I wandered in the wilderness of worldly pleasure.

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-16530410749212551442011-03-03T22:26:00.000-06:002011-03-03T22:26:31.953-06:00

I've heard the words hundreds of times. "'I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future'" (Jer. 29:11). Words often spoken with the intention of instilling hope, but so often they bring back that ugly bitterness in my heart, an unwelcome companion since my second-trimester miscarriage. What hope? What future,

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-90605572736912742412011-01-21T06:33:00.000-06:002011-01-21T06:33:11.395-06:00

Your Teen Can Own a Micro Business How to Launch It in Ten Simple Steps by Carol Topp, CPA   “I want to walk dogs; what do I need to do to get started?” asked a teen boy. I had inspired him to think about starting a micro business and he was ready to get going! I encourage teenagers to start very small businesses—micro businesses. A micro business is a one-person business that can be started

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-39701159086087297832011-01-20T08:09:00.000-06:002011-01-20T08:09:38.562-06:00

Even if it’s only for one minute, stop awhile today and ponder the wonder of God. “Be still and know that I am God.”  (Psalm 46:10) Photo by Mark Reed Butterfield, used with permission.

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-10044738475904498212011-01-17T17:26:00.000-06:002011-01-17T17:26:39.228-06:00

“How come Daddy doesn’t love me? I’ve tried to do everything he asks, but he never seems happy. Will I ever get it right?” asked the little girl. Is that you? It certainly was me. I grew up feeling I had to earn my father’s love. Often, it seemed I did everything wrong because no matter what I did, I didn’t get praised or hugged or even smiled at. But if I did something wrong, action was swift

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-86881546458074720062011-01-13T13:12:00.000-06:002011-01-13T13:12:34.100-06:00

We all enjoy that occasional snow day, but three days like we’ve had this week? Arg, by then we’re getting desperate to get back to normal. All my children are grown, but I still look forward to a snow day with the excitement of a 10 year old. Instead, I battled slippery roads on Monday morning on my way to school and again coming home. (I think it must take a disaster for colleges to cancel

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-62717822940136642522011-01-12T06:26:00.000-06:002011-01-12T06:26:03.151-06:00

“God, you have to love me. After all, I read my Bible every day.” What motivates you to do you do the things you do for God? Is it so He’ll love you? So He’ll be impressed with you? So He’ll answer your prayers? Through the years, I’ve been guilty of all these motives. God has x-ray vision. He pierces through our trendy clothes and freshly bathed and powdered flesh to look deeply into our heart

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-3440884253447305632011-01-11T10:56:00.000-06:002011-01-11T10:56:01.100-06:00

“God, I’m so angry at you.” I screamed one morning. Does that seem like a bold move to you? God knows what is in my heart, so what’s the point in hiding my anger? Telling him about it kept me from taking it out on others around me, and my anger dissipated. I asked God for the strength to get through the battle and went on with the day. But during the months that followed, disappointment moved

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-61765441074050740552011-01-10T06:30:00.000-06:002011-01-10T06:30:35.649-06:00

Last week during  our Sunday school class discussion someone made the comment about how people blame God when something bad happens. But then it struck me; how come these same people never say, “Wow! God made this happen” when something good occurs? How about you? Do you see God in the good, the bad, or both? Enter your comments below. Debra L. Butterfield © 2011 Photo used with permission.

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-63718943911760948462011-01-07T08:16:00.000-06:002011-01-07T08:16:48.213-06:00

Every 7 seconds, another “Baby Boomer” turns 50...That’s a lot of “MIDLIFERS!” And I'm one of them. The older I get the more I dread that yearly visit to the doctor. What ailment will he find this time and what drug will he foist on me as a treatment? Today we take a look at Dr. Sharon King's book The Spiritual Fitness Checkup for the 50 Something Woman. Dr. King has taken this yearly doctor's

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-91923063034061216962011-01-06T16:02:00.000-06:002011-01-06T16:02:10.616-06:00

Tell me, did you wake up on Jan. 1 and find all your problems had magically disappeared at midnight when the calendar rolled over to 2011? If they did, have you been booked on Oprah or Dr. Phil to tell the world your story? Like many people, I spent some time last week contemplating the New Year. I found myself asking the same question I’ve asked for decades: Why do people view New Year’s Day

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-56498081429088446302010-12-03T10:28:00.000-06:002010-12-03T10:28:56.173-06:00

Coming Dec. 7 to online radio: The Cec and Me Show. Billed as a delightful, thoughtful, serious, and not so serious call-in show with Cecil (Cec) Murphey and Twila Belk, the show promises a blend of fun and a variety of topics, including tough issues such as sexual abuse, cancer, and caregiving, as well as lighter topics such as writing and Christmas miracles. The far-reaching, refreshing,

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-28968627546921584092010-11-08T08:10:00.000-06:002010-11-08T08:10:15.455-06:00

Workplace Gossip by Rosemary Flaaten Gossip is a nemesis that runs rampant in workplaces. A tantalizing snippet of information or a morsel of exaggerated juicy news goes a long way to spice up a humdrum work environment. But, left unchecked, it creates a toxic environment that will suck the health out of workplace relationships. The effects of gossip can only be felt when they are passed from

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-58165082184732717832010-11-01T12:26:00.000-05:002010-11-01T12:26:46.709-05:00

All too often in our relationship with God we place on him the same limits that bind us. We are finite beings, but he is infinite. And when we think of ourselves as finite beings it is often only in terms of our mortality—our body will not live forever. But finite extends to all areas of our being—physical, mental and emotional. There is a limit to our strength, our intelligence, and our emotions

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-80794299418898661322010-10-20T18:38:00.000-05:002010-10-20T18:38:06.810-05:00

Huff ‘n puff ‘n huff ‘n puff . No, it isn’t the big bad wolf at Piglet’s door. It’s me out on a walk making my way up the hill. My workouts these days are a cinch compared to the grueling physical exercise I had in Marine Corps boot camp, but without a drill instructor yelling in my face, it’s hard to motivate myself to get out there and do it. I just don’t like to exercise; however, I know if I

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-65446471527700637812010-10-13T14:28:00.000-05:002010-10-13T14:28:19.892-05:00

The disciples worked feverishly to steady their boat as the fierce wind and heavy waves of the Sea of Galilee pitched them about. But their fear of the storm was nothing compared to the fear of the ghost they now saw. “Don’t be afraid. Take courage. I am here!” Jesus called out to them walking on the water. Peter, brash as always, yelled out, "Lord, if that’s really you, tell me to come to You.

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-56418689801361368612010-10-12T13:26:00.000-05:002010-10-12T13:26:28.112-05:00

“What do you want from me?” my estranged husband yelled. It was yet another of our many arguments. My daughter was in a psychiatric hospital for treatment due to his sexual abuse. He had broken my heart beyond repair. I marveled that he could even ask such a question. I told him, “I want you to hurt as much as I do.” Understandably, when someone hurts us, we hold that person accountable for

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-5493379921029519002010-10-05T11:37:00.000-05:002010-10-05T11:37:40.649-05:00

Like the drop of a guillotine blade, my husband’s crime of sexual abuse severed my daughter’s innocence, my dreams of a happy family and our marriage. It took me several years before I finally admitted to myself what my husband’s crime had cost us all. I also felt no one else realized the toll either. My own selfishness demanded I receive sympathy. After all, I was the one left to clean up the

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-51688855387698617452010-10-04T16:43:00.000-05:002010-10-04T16:43:24.905-05:00

Do you breathe from your chest or your belly? How we breathe can affect our well-being. Ninety-three percent of our energy is produced in the presence of oxygen. To determine how you breathe, place your hand over your belly button (sitting, standing or lying down). Now breathe like you normally do. Does your hand go up and down with your breath? If not, you are breathing from your chest.

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-17382377779861088212010-08-18T14:19:00.000-05:002010-08-18T14:19:18.768-05:00

This morning was a first—a sharp-shinned hawk perched on a large, low branch of the locust bean tree that grows barely 15 feet from my patio. It was a cool cloudy morning, and the usual birds were conspicuously absent. Maybe they knew enough to stay away from this ruffian, but one tiny finch fluttered nearby. The hawk showed no apparent interest. Soon the finch came within a few inches of the

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-81399117840358474812010-08-12T09:38:00.000-05:002010-08-12T09:38:03.251-05:00

Do you find yourself in a financial struggle for the first time in your life? Maybe someone you know has asked where they can go for help. Do you have an answer? If you have never had a need for this type of assistance, you may find yourself wondering how to find it.A Google search on the keywords “assistance agencies” or “assistance programs” along with your state will offer a cornucopia of

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-37699874496688045302010-08-04T21:09:00.000-05:002010-08-04T21:09:23.786-05:00

How long did Peter weep that fateful night in Jerusalem some 2000 years ago? He had denied Christ three times just hours after he had vowed to die with him if necessary. His pride blinded him to his weakness. Peter was self-confident, and when the crucial moment arrived, he didn’t have the strength within him to follow through on his promise. Do you have the strength needed to follow through on

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-19162971882168402612010-08-03T23:46:00.000-05:002010-08-03T23:46:35.035-05:00

Peter wept bitterly as he thought back through the events of the night. “Peter, this very night before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times,” Jesus said as he and the other disciples trekked to the Mount of Olives. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” Peter declared. Yet a few hours later he had done exactly that as he stood in the high priest’s courtyard.

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-80683047473710888062010-08-02T19:33:00.000-05:002010-08-02T19:33:02.289-05:00

Are you learning to recognize God’s blessings in your life? Please share with us throughout this week, how God blesses you in little and big ways.

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-20300082582821998952010-07-30T10:28:00.001-05:002010-07-30T14:09:39.335-05:00

It was his sense of humor that drew me to my husband. Today, it is his sense of humor that keeps him alive. He suffered a debilitating stroke over eleven years ago. Before the end of the first week a couple of doctors stood at the foot of his bed, studying his chart. My husband looked my direction and said, "Hey, look, a pair o' docs!" Shortly after the stroke, he had a scan of his brain.

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-23074599883167230382010-07-29T16:45:00.000-05:002010-07-29T16:45:37.134-05:00

Escaping the hamster wheel can be difficult, especially if you are working two jobs simply to pay the bills. As a single parent, I understand the frustration and stress of trying to survive—working day in, day out to pay the rent, buy food, and pay the utility bill and often falling short. Who can dream about a better future, when today is such a daily struggle? I want to encourage you. You can

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-18177960939990169722010-07-26T15:42:00.000-05:002010-07-26T15:42:02.865-05:00

 “Salt is good. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other” (Mark 9:49, NLT). What are the qualities of salt? I asked myself when I read this verse this morning. Two that immediately came to mind were that it enhances flavor and it preserves. If I apply those qualities to my life, then my

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-55933137109311638192010-07-22T12:27:00.000-05:002010-07-22T12:27:37.684-05:00

When the sun is blasting away like a welding torch and the humidity makes every inch of your body wet, I say it’s time to tingle your taste buds and refresh yourself with this easy-to-make family pleaser. This dessert is simple and quick to make and will be a sure winner on a sweltering summer day. It’s pretty tasty even in the middle of winter! Ice Cream Jell-O® PieOne pre-made pie crust (graham

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-71518298539651739342010-07-19T20:48:00.000-05:002010-07-19T20:48:20.273-05:00

“[M]essengers arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. They told him, ‘Your daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.’ But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, ‘Don’t be afraid. Just have faith’” (Mark 5:35-36, NLT). I love what Jesus does in this situation. Jairus has asked Jesus to come heal his daughter who is very sick. Before they arrive at Jairus’

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-43823201958477084792010-07-06T15:00:00.000-05:002010-07-06T15:00:30.868-05:00

Which would you prefer, to famous on earth or in heaven? That’s a question I faced this morning while I was reading Matthew 19:30. “But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then” (Jesus speaking in reference to heaven, NLT). People can be so fickle in their opinions. Tiger Woods is a perfect example. His fans

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-14279785508284102242010-07-05T21:25:00.000-05:002010-07-05T21:25:58.669-05:00

“She’s a tough old bird.” That’s how my dad often described my mom. He was right. At the age of 81, she had a complete mastectomy of her right breast. Six months later, competing against women as young as 35, she won the Ladies Nine-Hole Championship of Eaton Country Club, in Colorado. I would do well to take a lesson from her—in life, not golf—for she is a woman of quiet perseverance and

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-89910292593964154622010-06-23T11:11:00.000-05:002010-06-23T11:11:50.058-05:00

An amazing thing happens when you keep God in the right perspective—you begin to see everything else in the light of God’s sovereignty and power. This morning as I read Matthew 3-4, Satan’s impotence jumped out at me. Matthew chapter 4 tells us that Jesus has been in the desert fasting for 40 days and 40 nights. What might be the state of his physical, mental, and emotional well-being? Enter

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-83706811424830952602010-06-22T13:21:00.002-05:002010-06-22T13:21:55.483-05:00

For as long as I can remember, I have believed in God and that Jesus died to save me. But it wasn’t until I was 24 that I was born again (see John 3) and made God the Lord of my life. In the years that have followed, trusting God has been a consistent issue.  From crisis to crisis, I have waffled from trust to mistrust like a tennis ball during the Wimbledon Championship. But I want to stand firm

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-13110814543430915262010-06-16T11:34:00.000-05:002010-06-16T11:34:53.293-05:00

I made the most startling discovery yesterday during my quiet time with God. My relationship with him had become like that of tugging a bulldog on a leash that refused to follow. Worse yet, I was doing everything to coax him along including offering the ultimate treat “God, your Word says…” What happened? How had I come to this? After all, I was focused on doing his will. How could that be wrong?

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-80198296953798285142010-06-15T22:50:00.000-05:002010-06-15T22:50:43.548-05:00

I had a conversation recently with a friend who endured 18 years of an abusive marriage. It breaks my heart to hear such stories and it hurts even more when I hear the words “My husband was a preacher.” Even if unconsciously, believers and unbelievers expect Christians to behave differently. Here’s what Jesus had to say about such people, “Hypocrites! … Outwardly you look like righteous people,

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-50043697330813516252010-06-08T09:44:00.002-05:002010-06-08T09:48:50.353-05:00

We all have our difficulties. For me, it has been a constant battle to trust God. I’ve spent considerable time in self-examination to learn why. For me, to fail is to be rejected. I don’t know why I believe that, and right now knowing why isn’t important. Recognizing that fact about myself will help me overcome it. Here’s how it has affected my relationship with God. I’m afraid to fully trust

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-30902547500814741462010-06-07T20:46:00.001-05:002010-06-07T20:47:44.930-05:00

As a parent, you want your child to know you, right? Do you make it complicated for her to do that? Of course not. She comes to know you by spending time with you. We get to know our friends by spending time with them. To know who God is, we must spend time with him. God is a God of mystery, but he is not mysterious. He wants us to know him. He wants to have a relationship with us. So how do we

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-42587808198383256452010-05-04T22:59:00.000-05:002010-05-04T22:59:06.113-05:00

Have you been wounded by someone or some thing? Do you identify yourself as a victim? For example, do you tell yourself “I am a victim of ______”? Oh, you probably don’t say that out loud to anyone, but you might be constantly thinking it. We can all fill in the blank with something because we live in a fallen world and bad things happen. My question to you is this: Does thinking of yourself as a

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-21742423710069729012010-05-03T08:37:00.000-05:002010-05-03T08:37:00.706-05:00

It’s been nearly a month since I last posted. I’ve missed those little slices of conversations with you. Life has a way of steamrolling over us and flattening any plans we’ve made for ourselves. Proverbs 3:5-6 tell us “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” I’m so glad that He has shown

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-52848406189037000762010-05-03T08:04:00.001-05:002010-05-03T08:04:03.239-05:00

Protect yourself from rapists. Read the May-June 2010 issue of Glory and Strength today at http://ping.fm/qVG3L

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-64937969622078060332010-04-07T22:13:00.000-05:002010-04-07T22:13:41.937-05:00

Spring in northwest Missouri is amazing. It’s as though God grabbed a rainbow and splashed it across the ground. Hues of green, pink, cream, purple, red and yellow bring me such delight. After the dreary brown and gray of winter, the newness of spring is thrilling. God promises us that same newness when we accept Christ as our savior. Second Corinthians 5:17 tells us “Therefore, if anyone is in

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-70099042292719100362010-04-06T21:59:00.000-05:002010-04-06T21:59:26.281-05:00

Do you remember hand writing letters and waiting and wondering when your friend might write you back? I do. I had a pen pal overseas and his letters were months apart. Today, we communicate with friends around the world instantly. Microwave ovens prepare a meal in mere minutes when the same dish would have taken over an hour in a traditional oven. Credit cards allow us to buy what we want now,

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-58632845496003592292010-03-23T06:40:00.002-05:002010-03-23T06:40:40.707-05:00

When tragedy strikes, our first reaction is often to ask why. Sometimes we get an answer, sometimes we don’t. I think God is okay with us asking the question, but he doesn’t want us to get stuck there. Getting stuck opens the door to bitterness. Bitterness is like a pernicious weed that invades our lives surreptitiously, wraps its tentacles around our spirit and chokes our faith. Beware!

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-86765976354018157792010-03-15T08:55:00.000-05:002010-03-15T08:55:09.905-05:00

My sincere apologies to my readers. Due to a family crisis I have not posted for several days. I'll begin posting again on Mar. 22. Thank you for your patience. Debra L. Butterfield

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-56895677383427171742010-03-03T21:18:00.001-06:002010-03-03T21:18:16.621-06:00

Do you know the many names of God? Read today's blog at http://ping.fm/Taqyl

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-77392698305207421372010-03-03T21:15:00.000-06:002010-03-03T21:15:15.063-06:00

To our finite mind, God works in mysterious ways. However, God is not mysterious. He reveals himself in many ways in the Bible. These names of God communicate aspects of God’s character and his work in our lives. Jehovah-Jireh, Jehovah will provide. Abraham gave this name to the place where God provided a ram for sacrifice instead of Abraham’s son Isaac. Genesis 22:14 Jehovah-Nissi, Jehovah is

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-59262719384248426732010-03-02T22:20:00.001-06:002010-03-02T22:20:43.023-06:00

When you suffer abuse at the hands of your spouse, is divorce the first action? Read "Should I Divorce?" at www.gloryandstrength.blogspot.com

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-58355170977172699922010-03-02T22:17:00.000-06:002010-03-02T22:17:30.963-06:00

When your spouse has wounded you through abuse of any form, divorce seems the obvious answer. You may feel your home has been destroyed by this abuse, but God can restore all things. I wrestled with the option of divorce for two years. I prayed and sought God’s guidance before I came to a final decision. Do your best to avoid making a decision about divorce while you are still in the heat of

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-23158177956615903472010-02-25T06:59:00.000-06:002010-02-25T06:59:58.183-06:00

In my opinion, American culture is in constant stress mode. We pack too much into our day, everyday, and according to the latest research, don’t get enough sleep each night. Sleep is designed to help the body and brain rejuvenate. The proper amount of sleep each night is your #1 weapon against stress. Secondly, utilizing relaxation techniques on a regular basis can help you de-stress. Here are a

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-23434837805046411182010-02-23T05:54:00.003-06:002010-02-23T05:57:21.677-06:00

“And Moses said to Joshua, ‘Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.’ So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-88172355616435805402010-02-22T05:28:00.000-06:002010-02-22T05:28:08.732-06:00

I was listening to the radio as I drove to church yesterday and had what I like to call chocolate-covered cherry moments—little moments of delight sent from God (see my post dtd 11/25/09). The DJ was announcing David Crowder’s song “Everything Glorious.” The chorus states, “You [God] make everything glorious.” To paraphrase the DJ, “God makes everything glorious, and he made you.” Wow, I’m

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-52022733519165232322010-02-17T21:01:00.000-06:002010-02-17T21:01:38.520-06:00

Bible study is essential to grow your faith. When you read the Bible, you are utilizing one method, and there are a number of reading plans to use. I have often found studying the Bible intimidating. I expect many people do. Learning something new always seems difficult at first, but it will get easier. Today there are many books available that teach how to study the Bible and additional tools

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097607902129635543.post-7597156840078838832010-02-15T20:04:00.000-06:002010-02-15T20:04:00.056-06:00

Daily routines are nice. They keep us steady and feeling secure. But sometimes spontaneity opens the door to the best part of our day. If a friend calls as says, “Let’s go for coffee” be open to the idea. If your child says, “Let’s play” stop and take the time to play. People are important to God. And you are important to your friends and family. The people in our lives are precious gifts from

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00734197156366086938noreply@blogger.com0