Category Archives: Devotional

The Sun Will Rise Again

SunRise

I have been praying and asking the Lord what He would have me to share with you today. I believe I am suppose to share this piece of art which I did a couple of weeks ago. When I was painting it, I heard simply, “The sun will rise again.” I was sensing His overwhelming peace at the time, resting in His promises of hope and healing, as I reflected on His love towards me.

Tonight He gave me these words for you. I pray they might encourage you on your life’s journey.

The Sun Will Rise Again
by Barbie Swihart

Beloved One,
I know not the ache in your heart.

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How to Love Your Valentine All Year Long

Last week millions of people rushed to buy flowers, stuffed animals, candy, cards and diamonds to remind their spouse of their undying devotion.

I wonder how many of those millions are still feeling the love this week?

love is patient

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

How many of us live out these biblical truths in our marriage?

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How Things Look and What’s Most Important (Blog Hop)

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Deb & Blake close up44 years ago, I waited in Rev’s dorm room for him to return from his part-time job at the post office. He walked in, hugged and kissed me, grabbed something out of his top dresser drawer, and dropped to one knee.

And I said, “Yes!”

Wedding Photo

13 months later we walked down the aisle. My parents gifted us with planning and hosting a beautiful day. Mom designed and made my dress taking ideas from my favorite parts of dresses I’d tried on at Bridal stores and from pictures I showed her in Bride magazines. And Rev wrote the service as a class assignment.

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It All Comes Back To LOVE

LOVE

I was a church youth group girl. My youth group was made up of the usual variety of people found in any church. Some of the kids only cared about the games and prizes, and others cared about understanding God and figuring how to be like Jesus in everyday life. Most of us loved both.

My future husband moved to our town while he was a teen-ager and his family joined our church. His parents insisted that he attend the mid-week youth group meetings even though he had no desire at all. He did not know God and he rolled his eyes at our enthusiasm for the Bible and how it could be used in the modern day world.

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Interruptions and Good Works (Blog Hop)

I’m finding myself in a season where my time is not my own. It’s a glorious time, really, and I’m loving every minute of it.

But I haven’t always enjoyed it.

Stressed woman thinkingI’m ashamed to admit it, but I used to get quite aggravated. I’m a Type-A personality who keeps a tight calendar. I resented the interruptions to my schedule, wishing someone else could step in when last minute problems arose.

Oh, I could mask my frustration in a churchy way, but deep down I didn’t feel churchy AT ALL.

Can you identify?

I think a lot of women feel that way from time to time, especially moms.

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Clinging to Scripture

Psalm 23.3 -2 -3

“What Scripture verse are you clinging to?”

Years ago, a friend asked me this. At the time, I was dealing with some issues, and in a rare moment of vulnerability, I shared with her what I was struggling with.

“What verse is getting you through this?” she asked.

Although I’d never thought of it this way before, I knew immediately which verse I’d been clinging to for dear life.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NLT

In it I’d found the comfort and strength I desperately needed.

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My Holy Undoing

Unknown
It’s February today – thirty two days into the New Year. High time I shared my resolutions.

Except I don’t have any.

This year, this day and for all the days after, I have a slow and steady fierce determination in my soul. Just one.

Be more like Jesus.

Wake up in the morning and take one step closer the life and work of Jesus Christ.

There are sixty-six books that tell His story, the whole Story about the gospel and a Sheperd who came to serve and save. Sixty-six books that start me one foot forward.

That’s it. Because when I turn my life upside down to be upside down before Him, when I make more of Him than I do myself, when I set my soul upon the Word of Truth … oh friends.

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Lessons from Hagar

As a mother of two grown sons it is not always easy to let go and trust God for their future, let alone my own. God has been reminding me through the story of Hagar that I can trust Him with my life and the life of my children and grandchildren. I simply need to let go and let God.

-Now Sarai, Abram’s wife had borne him (1)

Hagar was an Egyptian servant and Sarah’s handmaiden. Sarah was barren and desperate to have a child, so desperate that she ran ahead of God’s plan and had Abraham marry her servant for the sole purpose of Hagar becoming a surrogate for Sarah.

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