These three words spoken by Jesus have the power to transform lives, yet we rarely use them today. Instead we are telling people to take any number of things . . .
a chill pill another shot anti depressants a drink a smoke or a hit
It’s so easy for us to rely on taking things that change the physical chemistry in our bodies. But doing the hard work of soul and mind work requires the heart. Spiritual transformation…..
So much of our life is about making choices. One way to make choices is to observe the way in which other people make choices. Another way is to have someone tell you what to choose. And yet another is to think things through and make your own decision.
Parenting is an interesting task in regards to teaching children how to make their own choices. Some children relish making their own choices while others resist and seem to be…..
“I’m convinced that when Jesus prayed for unity among those who love him he was praying for a willingness to struggle together for understanding out of mutual respect for him.”
I wrote the above statement in a previous post titled “Engage Yourself in a Struggle to Understand.”
What person, place, thing or event are you trying to understand at this moment in time? Why is it important for you right now?
Have you ever felt misunderstood? When you feel…..
This morning I came across a book given to me by my mother many years ago: A Child’s Faith: Fifty-two Lessons for Home and School. By Sibyl Harton. First published in 1938 and reprinted several times – the last date in my copy is 1951. I remember seeing my mother study this book when I was very young, no doubt in preparation for teaching Sunday School Lessons or for helping us with ours. I remember reading from it when I…..
The question was asked of me by a young woman trying to make sense out of her life and the Christian faith she was returning to.
This is a common struggle experienced by many people. Influenced by many factors. Not easily answered. I encouraged her to seek professional counseling and thankfully she did. Too many don’t and their lives keep spiraling downward.
Why is it so hard to love myself in this condition?
This question was asked of me by…..
On my wall above my desk hangs a framed print statement about faith. There is no indication who made the statement so I am unable to credit anyone for it. This is what the framed print states:
“Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation.”
It’s an intriguing statement. Especially when you pair it with some of the statements about faith that are recorded in…..
When I was a young girl I had to take one of my math classes three times. I was embarrassed, was called stupid and afraid I would never get into college. I cried in class one day. My teacher talked with me after class and told me they were proud of my struggle to and desire to learn. That encouragement helped me to persevere and eventually understand the concepts in algebra so that I could pass the course. The experience…..
We have a Maple Tree in the boulevard that I think is sick, but it’s hard to tell. Most of the branches are full of life, the little helicopters were flying off left and right. One night when they were blowing off I thought I heard a light rain – it was the Maple seeds hidden in the transparent helicopters that were pattering on the sidewalk. In any…..
![20131111_103723[1]](https://www.JuneGPaul.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/20131111_1037231.jpg)
“Therefore, putting aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord. (I Peter 2:1-3 NASB) Think about the many times you have tasted the Lord’s kindness in your lifetime. Consider how you can…..
