re·deem (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/redeem) transitive verb \ri-ˈdēm\ 1 a : to buy back : repurchase b : to get or win back 2 : to free from what distresses or harms: as a : to free from captivity by payment of ransom b : to extricate from or help to overcome something detrimental c : to release from blame or debt : …
Hardened Hearts
I will never in a million years understand how our free-will and God’s sovereignty work together. It’s a great mystery. We are given free-will to make our own choices yet God is in control. A well known story in the Bible is a perfect example of my quandary: the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart. In case you aren’t familiar with it or need …
A Penny for Your Thoughts on the Storms of Life: Be Encouraged
I stepped outside this morning into a cool, peaceful, non-humid day. It was almost as if I had travelled to a different place and time, yet there I was standing on my deck which 24 hours before was filled with thick, oppressive, summer air. I didn’t complain yesterday. I kind of like that heat–any heat. Summer is one of my favorite seasons. Today’s …
Sometimes we need to go Home…
Then all the people left, each for his own home, and David returned home to bless his family (1 Chronicles 16:43). I grew up on the dusty plains of Southwest Oklahoma and Northern Texas. We lived on the border, so you can say I grew up in Texhoma. That’s what they call it in those parts. My spell …
Motherhood, Redemption, and Fire Poles
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14) It was a really bad mommy moment. But in my defense, I was worn out and in need of a nap, and she was too. As my baby girl stood at the top …