Encouragement for Life

Today, let’s take a closer look at someone who sat at Jesus’ feet and received His praise. Can you imagine that—receiving God’s praise! The attitude of Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, demonstrated for us the meaning of a heart devoted to God. What did Mary do that moved our Savior to praise her?

One of my favorite words in the English language is “bittersweet.” It’s sort of like the well-known announcement, “I’ve got good news and bad news. Which do you want first?” This picturesque term always reminds me that many occurrences in life fall simultaneously into the glad/sad category, bringing forth both emotions at once.

“I’m done. This is just too much. I can’t believe this is really God’s plan for my life!” This is not an uncommon confession among Christian women. But it is true: suffering is part of this life. Every one of us will face times of trial and loss. Job’s lament is a testimony to the physical, moral, and spiritual suffering he experienced.

In the country of Taiwan, Jim and I were blessed to experience the Bible come alive. For years I had been reading Proverbs each day…which means for years I had been reading Proverbs 8:34, “Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.” Several days after arriving our sponsor arranged for us and our two preteen daughters to go to a local university to sit and converse with students who were learning English.

It’s so much fun to pursue your dreams while you are young! It’s an opportunity to discover what you love to do—and what you are good at. And the Proverbs 31 woman (see Proverbs 31:24) gives you these three points to keep in mind as you pursue your own dreams.

I know there are a lot of jokes made about patience (“Patience is the ability to count to ten before blasting off!”, “I need patience—and I need it now!”), but when you’re the one who’s forced to wait while you suffer—or suffer while you wait—it’s no laughing matter. But, my friend, as the verse below says, we need to wait patiently on the Lord.

When our children are growing up in our home, we seek to train their spiritual sensitivity so they can “distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:14). We examine what’s going on in our home. We desire to protect them from ungodly influences and dangers. Then they leave the nest.

Our nation’s founding fathers approved the wording of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This declaration gave the people of this newly formed country a freedom they had not experienced before. Though it took many years for it to become the holiday as it is celebrated today, July 4th has always been an important date in our nation’s history. We celebrate much more than the approval of a declaration. The Fourth of July is a celebration of independence, religious freedom, and freedom from tyranny and oppression.

Like other single people, a widow has a choice to make. She can worry about her situation as a widow, or she can take up God’s challenge and take on the multitude of opportunities for service.

I love weddings! A wedding is a wonderful celebration of the union between husband and wife and the start of a new journey together. What a great time to reflect on the power of love!

The story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 is remarkable for many reasons. For starters, in that time and culture, it was uncommon for women to sit at the feet of a rabbi. Mary’s actions were a clear indicator that she desired to learn from Jesus. Then she “fell at his feet.” This action shows us that she recognized who Jesus is and chose to submit herself fully to His teaching and authority. It was an open act of worship. It was also the ultimate act of trust.

Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after the crucifixion on Good Friday. It is the most important date on the Christian calendar. The sacrifice made by Jesus Christ, the son of God, is beyond understanding even for some adults, but I determined to teach my girls in a way they would not only understand, but always remember.