I came home today to something totally unexpected. As usual, I stopped by the mailbox as I pulled into my driveway. There was a letter in the mailbox that puzzled me. It was hand-addressed to Janene Keeth, and I thought, well, it’s not from anyone in my church because they all call me Crickett. There was no return address on the envelope – only a Memphis postmark. My address was printed in all caps, and
Read More →
Is there a past sin in your life that haunts you – something you hope no one will ever find out about, something you regret deeply? Perhaps, you sometimes question if God could really forgive you for that sin. Or you feel you need to punish yourself or serve Him even harder to ensure that you’re forgiven. You may even be wondering if perhaps you have disqualified yourself from being used by God because
Read More →
I realized this week that I like to talk. I’ve had laryngitis the past two days, and I didn’t like not being able to verbalize what I was thinking. I learned several things about myself from this situation. I like to interact with people. When I can’t, I feel isolated. I like to sing out loud with worship music in the car. It’s frustrating when I have to keep quiet. I need others. Laryngitis isn’t
Read More →
We just celebrated Valentine’s Day this past Tuesday. Many look forward to this day each year. But for others, Valentine’s Day is a tough day. You may be single and feeling lonely, or you may be divorced or widowed and feeling the sting of being alone. Or you may be married, but feeling unloved in your marriage. As an older single, I have to admit that I don’t always look forward to Valentine’s Day, but
Read More →
This past week, I felt the sting of disappointment – not once, but twice. I was waiting to hear back from two different publishers who were considering several Bible studies I had written. I had been praying for God’s will in both of these situations, and a peace regardless of whether it would be a yes or a no. (My heart’s desire was for a yes.) I received two no’s three days apart. Ouch… Even
Read More →
What do you think of when you hear the term discipleship? Do you think of going through a curriculum together, or do you just hang out and talk? I think both can be true. Some of the people I have discipled have asked me to specifically go through something structured with them. Others have just wanted to spend time with me and talk about things going on in their lives. Sometimes I do both with
Read More →
How would you describe your prayer life? Is prayer a special part of your day? Do you protect and cherish that time, or do you just go through the motions so you can check it off your to-do list? Is prayer an obligation or a necessity for you? Have you made it a ritual, or is it about the relationship? Martyn Lloyd-Jones wrote in his book, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount: “Prayer is
Read More →
Change is hard. I admit I don’t always look forward to change because it’s more comfortable to stay with what I’m used to and what I know. After all, I’ve eaten Eggo waffles for breakfast almost every morning for 15+ years and I don’t want to change! But change is good for us. This week I had a friend redesign my website and make some much-needed changes. (Thank you, Susan Stilwell!) For those of you
Read More →
Recently, I’ve noticed an increase in attempted logins on my website from countries all over the world. My initial response is, “Why would anyone want to attack and get into MY website? I’m not a big corporation or banking enterprise. I don’t have people’s personal information and passwords, and I don’t have any national security secrets. Why me?” Thankfully, I have programs and plugins that monitor these attacks and block them. But, I’m continually looking
Read More →
A new year! I always get excited about what a new year might hold. God knows what’s ahead for each of us this year, but He reveals it to us one step at a time. For some, there will be great joy and pleasant surprises, gifts from God. For others, there will be heartache and sadness, also gifts from God. How will we respond to what He has in store for us this year? I
Read More →