In the words of C.S. Lewis, “We all agree that forgiveness is a beautiful idea until we have to practice it.” It is so much easier to talk about it than to really offer it to someone who has hurt or offended us in some way. The tendency is to harbor the resentment, feed the…… Continue Reading
Author Archives: Marilyn
How Do You Handle Change? – Lesson 5
Lots of change simply happens, doesn’t it? You look in the mirror one day and realize that there is more evidence of the aging process than you had realized. You look at your children and think, “how did they get to be the age that I still feel I am?” You talk at the dinner…… Continue Reading
The Promise of GOD’S FAITHFULNESS – Lesson 5 – July 17 – 24
Change is inevitable, isn’t it? Sometimes it is welcome and exciting. At other times it is disappointing and painful. It can be a huge stimulus to personal growth and bring new relationships with it or it can bring on times of grief and loss. Often we look forward to and plan our lives around changes…… Continue Reading
Finding Contentment – Lesson 4
Would you agree that joy and contentment are almost inseparable? It’s really impossible to have one without the other, isn’t it? Perhaps one of them does come before the other, however, and that may be why Paul wants his readers to grasp how very important it is to understand that true contentment (not passivity or…… Continue Reading
The Promise of STRENGTH – Intro to Lesson 4 – July 10 – 17
Do you have any idea what the synonyms for “inner strength” are in a Thesaurus? Here they are: self-assurance, positive self-image, and aplomb. If that is the kind of fortitude and stability that you are seeking, there are a vast amount of resources available for you – books, classes, articles, counselors, and online materials. No…… Continue Reading
Looking for a Guide? – Lesson 3
Planning ahead. Knowing the details. Looking at the map. Making lists. Being prepared and forewarned. It’s the way I am wired. While the old saying, “the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry”, isn’t exactly found in the Bible, we do know that we have absolutely no real control of the things…… Continue Reading
The Promise of GUIDANCE – Intro to Lesson 3 – July 3 – 10
If you’re thinking about going on a safari in Africa, a dog sledding trip in Alaska, or even river rafting in Colorado, you are probably also hoping that you will have an experienced and knowledgeable guide. Adventures like this take us to new places and usually include physical challenges and stamina beyond our normal experience,…… Continue Reading
Need Some Peace? – Lesson 2
THE GIFT of PEACE Pretending is a temptation which none of us can totally avoid. It’s a skill that is enormously helpful to young children as they experiment with various adult roles and skills. In a way, it’s a talent that enables those on stage to portray the personality and experiences of another person. But…… Continue Reading
The Promise of PEACE – Intro to Lesson 2 – June 26 – July 3
Did you know that more Americans seek medical treatment for anxiety than for back pain or migraine headaches, according to the American Psychological Association? In fact, statistics indicate that the number of people experiencing stress-related physical symptoms, including panic attacks and nervous breakdowns is increasing at an alarming rate. Anxiety, according to the dictionary, “suggests…… Continue Reading
What Do You Need? – Lesson 1
“I just don’t have what it takes!” Have you ever expressed that kind of sentiment to a friend or at least felt like it was the reality that you were experiencing at that time? Perhaps there are occasions when that kind of honesty is actually a helpful appraisal of your skill level or competence, but more often it…… Continue Reading