Category Archives: Laura R.

Giving Thanks

2 Chron 20.21 5MfF 11.8.13

Giving Thanks for…

The new beginnings God gives me…every morning, every hour, every minute.

My family.

Friends…both near and far…those who have been in my life forever, as well as those who God brought into my life for only a short time.

The peace God gives me through His Word and the way He speaks to me.

God’s gift of words…writing helps me process what I learn about Him and from Him. It helps me apply His Word to my life. And His gift of words gives me the desire and ability to share it with others.

Give thanks to the Lord; His faithful love endures forever!

Continue Reading »

Social Media Responsibility

Active College StudentsI remember as a teenager having to program the VCR* for my parents. It was new and tricky for them, but came naturally for me.

Today, as a parent, I’m now on the other side with social media. It seems every day there is a new app for yet another way to keep in touch. I find it overwhelming, but for the teens, and even much younger kids, downloading and setting up profiles comes naturally.

Like it or not, life has changed, and to keep up and protect our kids, we need to be aware of what they are doing online.

Continue Reading »

God Will Make a Way

God will make a way
Last month, here on 5 Minutes for Faith, I wrote about the day God stopped me in my tracks. He reminded me that no matter what I think I know, only He knows the full and complete picture of His plans.

That same day, although I don’t remember what I was reading at the time, this verse was put in front of me.

God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

Continue Reading »

Peace That Comes Only from God

MP900441048[1]

Sometimes God stops us in our tracks…for our own good.

I was recently on my knees in prayer…over a situation I have no control.

A situation that was getting the best of me.

I didn’t know what to pray anymore, and I’d moved to just trying to prepare myself for whatever might happen.

While I talked with God, something changed in how I was praying.

“I know what you’re doing here God, and…”

Immediately, I felt God ask me…

Do you know what I’m doing?”

My breath caught sharply, and I thought of the book of Job when God gets fed up with Job and challenges him with a lot of questions.

Continue Reading »

For the Days You Feel Like Less

John 3.30

There are days I feel like less. Depending on the day, it might be less skilled, less useful, or less liked by others. And sometimes, I just feel like less. Just. Less.

It happens when I compare myself to others, leading to jealously, anger, and feeling like someone else is better than me.

Maybe you’ve been there too, feeling…

…like less of a mom when you watch other moms who seem to have it all together.

…less loved when you see other marriages.

…less valuable to God when you can’t do what He calls someone else to do.

…less talented when you read or view someone else’s work.

Continue Reading »

God’s Gift of Grace

MP900440274[1]Imagine giving a gift and having it refused.

Maybe it’s happened to you like it’s happened to me.

It was a small gift—nothing major, but something I thought would be enjoyed. The response I received was No thank you; I don’t have anything for you.

My gift was refused because it couldn’t be earned or reciprocated. And it hurt.

I wonder if that’s how God feels when we refuse His gift of grace.

Grace…God’s free and unmerited favor toward sinful humanity (NLT Study Bible, Tyndale)

God’s love and forgiveness wrapped up in His gift of grace.

It can’t be earned and can never be reciprocated.

Continue Reading »

Spiritual Deficiency

Pills Pouring out of BottleI have a vitamin D deficiency I didn’t know until my doctor did a blood test. I wouldn’t say it’s a big deal, but when I first found out, it did help explain why I was so tired all of the time.

*Among the symptoms are:

Low energy and fatigue

Symptoms of depression and mood swings

Sleep irregularities

Lowered immunity

To combat the deficiency, I take vitamin D3 supplements once a day. Pretty easy.

As I reached for the vitamin bottle one day, I realized that vitamins are not the only deficiency taking its toll on us.

There is spiritual deficiency.

Continue Reading »

Wearing My 40’s Proudly

Birthday Cupcake With Lit CandleThis week is my birthday. 🙂

I’ve always loved my birthday. (Even if there were a couple of years when moving into the next decade was a little hard to swallow.)

I wonder if God is like a parent—anxious to help His child celebrate her day.

Reminiscing…I remember the day I thought of you. How I enjoyed deciding exactly how to create you! The gifts and skills you would have…the plans I made for you.

And disappointed when we grumble about getting older.

My grandma wore the title of senior citizen proudly. She loved her birthday and until her last few years when she didn’t feel well, she just kept going, keeping busy and enjoying life.

Continue Reading »