For your children and grandchildren (and even grown-up children at heart!) - Click here to get on board the Inspiration Station - a new children's magazine! I have a poem called Concrete Map on the Poetry Page.

If you'd like to leave the editor a comment, click here!

Book Review

Recently I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing Nancy C. Anderson's book, Avoiding the Greener Grass Syndrome: How to Grow Affair Proof Hedges Around Your Marriage.

Nancy writes about a confusing time in her life with such vulnerability, she draws the reader in. She shows how being out of the will of God brought her nothing but heartache, and then takes us through her journey from chaos to the cure. Her practical tips and spiritual insights inspire her readers to work on their own relationships. Recommended reading whether struggling in your marriage or you want to make a good thing better.

Available at Amazon and Christian Books.

Thirsty for God

“Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, "Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." – John 4:10 nkjv

The church service began as usual with our singing a few choruses followed by a time called “Select a Hymn” – a favorite with the members of our congregation.

As the pianist, I’m challenged when this time rolls around. I never know which hymn will catch someone’s eye on any given evening. Some nights, I know them all. At other times, I’m at a loss, but since I can play ‘by ear,’ some of the songs I manage to pick my way through without sounding completely tone deaf.

At one point, the guitarist, Amy, said to the drummer and me, “I’d like to sing ‘As the Deer,’” but we were so busy trying to keep up with the current selections, she didn’t get a chance to request it.

The song leader seemed ready to wind the session down when he said to one man who had been very persistent in raising his hand, “Which number did you select, young man?”

He stated the hymn number, and out of over 500 hymns in our book, he had chosen “As the Deer.”

Amy’s face lit up. The three of us praised the Lord with her as we sang the words in Psalm 42:1, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God.”

I thought how wonderful it was that the desire of her heart to praise the Lord with a certain song was granted. How many times have you prayed for something and the Lord answered with a resounding, “Yes!” to your request?

If the Lord knows the number of hairs on your head, He knows the desires of your heart. Of course, sometimes God says, “No” or “Not now,” but isn’t it wonderful when a prayer is answered so quickly? I loved it!

I have found through personal experience if I drink a glass of water first thing in the morning, I’m thirstier the entire day. I’ve also discovered if I read the Bible, pray, and seek God first thing in the morning, I long for even more time to spend alone with Him. As the deer pants for the water, my soul thirsts for God, the Living Water.

How about you? Are you thirsty?

Prayer: Lord, I praise You and long to draw closer to You. I thank You for the Living Water that becomes a fountain springing up into everlasting life. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Given to Hospitality or Griping?

Are you hospitable? Click here to read a short piece on hospitality I wrote for Sisters in the Lord Magazine. God bless you!

Baby Jowlface

Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God

I’ve been working on a book proposal, and studying (yes, I’m in college), so I thought I’d do something a bit different and share a link to the website of my friend and writing mentor, Mary DeMuth. Harvest House Publishers just released her book, Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God. I was privileged to see the manuscript before it hit the market, and honored to write a glowing review. Enjoy.

Still Smitten

For those who've asked how Molly's doing, here's an updated picture. The link to the original post and pictures is here.

The Gospel of the Righteousness of God

To read an article entitled The Gospel of the Righteousness of God on Living the Solution.com, click here.

Old Hen or Spring Chicken?

The annual event that comes whether you like it or not happens this month - I get to celebrate another birthday. I say, “get to” because so many people dread their birthday. The popular saying is, “You might as well enjoy it. Think of the alternative!” But when you say that to a Christian, the alternative is better. As Philippians 1:21 says, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Someone in my church had a birthday last week. When I asked how old this person was, I was told thirty-nine AGAIN. And this from a man! I guess hedging when asked your age isn’t strictly a woman’s prerogative after all.

My mom told anyone who asked she was thirty-nine for so long that I really don’t know how old she is now. When I became older than my mom, I told her she was going to have to add a few years!

Our time on earth is short compared to eternity. I wrote a song with the words, “Life is like a vapor quickly gone. Our only hope for eternity is God, the Father. His never-ending love sent Christ, His Son.” These lines were based on James 4:14 , “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” We must make the best of what little time we have on earth. Cherish each day. Live a life that glorifies God.

Not long ago I ran into one of my favorite teachers while waiting for my daughter in the orthodontist’s office. It surprised me to learn his daughter was younger than mine. I took a closer look at him only to realize he couldn’t have been more than five or six years older than me so when I was 17, he was only 22 or 23 - not an old man at all. In high school, he seemed so much older.

So age is a relative matter. And in my case, my relatives remind me of my age. My siblings remind me I am the eldest. My son thinks I am out of touch with popular culture, but my mother thinks I am a spring chicken. So since wisdom comes with age – hopefully -- I have decided that I will go with my mother’s opinion!

Oh, and in case you're wondering, I intend to turn thirty-nine again on my birthday, too.

Prayer: Lord, help us to serve You with all our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls. Help us to live each day to its fullest. May something we do today have an impact for eternity. In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.

Looking in the Rearview Mirror

I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 3:14 nkjv

I needed to drive to a meeting. The drive takes about forty minutes, most of which is on the interstate. Since I don’t drive on the highway frequently, before backing out of the garage, I strapped my seatbelt, adjusted my mirrors, checked my directions, and prayed. In fact, I prayed for almost forty minutes!

As I whizzed down the road at sixty, okay seventy, miles per hour, I thought about how often I looked in the rear-view mirror. Many years ago in driver’s education, my instructor told me to check my mirrors frequently while driving.

Looking back is advantageous at times. On the way home, I passed through downtown at rush hour, and I could keep my eye on the semis, aggressive drivers who rushed past me like I stood still, or the drivers distracted by cellphones.

In life, looking back can be an education. We learn what not to do by examining our mistakes. But bad memories can hinder us from living in the present. We must not dwell on past mistakes, but learn from them and move on.

We can also reminisce with our positive memories thanking God for His blessings. We never want to forget the goodness of our Father. We sing a popular song at church that says, “Look what the Lord has done.” Even good memories can stifle our lives by causing us to wish things were ‘the way they used to be.’ God has done marvelous things in the past, and because He does not change, He does marvelous things today, too!

If I had spent the greater part of my time driving on the interstate looking in my rearview mirror, I’m sure I wouldn’t be here at all. To live life to its fullest, we cannot linger in the past. The apostle Paul put it this way. “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.” (Philippians 3:12-13 nkjv)

Maybe I wouldn’t check my mirrors so often if I drove the speed limit. Oh, me. Did I admit that?

Prayer: Lord, help me to trust You, to thank You for ‘this day,’ and to and to be present and ready to do Your will. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Steak or Green Beans?

Lori Anton of Women with Heart has published Steak or Green Beans? - an article dealing with Christians being judgmental of one another. Click here to read. I'd love some feedback. God bless you! - Donna

A Call to Praise

Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name. – Hebrews 13:15 amp

I received the nicest email from someone who stumbled across my devotionals. Dianne complimented me on the site, and encouraged me to keep working for the Lord. I appreciate the fact that Dianne took the time to cheer on a fellow Christian she has never met.

Her email caused me to wonder. Have I applauded someone who’s done a good job lately? Have I inspired someone to work harder in his or her ministry? And most importantly – have I been faithful to praise God?

Everyone can use a boost now and then. I have to admit that sometimes I notice the negative before the positive. I jump in to fix what I perceive as wrong before I stop to appreciate what is right. These days I make an intentional effort to focus on the positive.

Does God really need for us to compliment Him? In Psalm 22:3, David said, “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” What does it mean to inhabit? To be present in; be inside of. God is present when we praise Him. God dwells inside those who praise Him.

Stop for a moment. Is there someone in your life you could call today to encourage? In our church, Lori Barker does a lot of the ‘behind the scenes’ kind of work. As the ‘pastor’s wife’, I’m so grateful for people like Lori who don’t hesitate to do the things for which there is no outward praise. We have several more like Lori, too. We are blessed.

Not everyone writes or sings or preaches, but tell me – who in your church buys the bread for Communion? Who cleans the church or types up the bulletins? Do you know? Why not tell them today how much you appreciate their ministry?

Take some time, too, to praise the Lord. Perhaps you might like to memorize this verse: While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being. - Psalm 146:2

Prayer: Lord, I praise You and give You glory for You are so worthy to be praised. Make me aware of those around me in need of a word of praise or thanks. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Mission Possible

Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them. – Psalm 139:16 esv

I can finally see some shoots of grass in my front yard. A big snowstorm hit our area a few weeks ago, and blanketed everything with twenty inches of snow with a few more added here and there since then. For a while, I felt like God had us inside a giant snow globe, and every so often, He’d give us a good shake.

As I stood at my back door watching the enormous flakes floating gently to the ground, I thought about how each one is unique. Just like people. Did you know there is no one else exactly like you? The arrangement of ridges in any fingerprint is thought to be unique and permanent with each person. No two persons having the same prints have ever been found.

Isn’t that amazing? Lenny LeBlane wrote a song entitled “There Is None Like You.” The lyrics refer to God, but the title could have been written about you.

David wrote in the 139th Psalm: “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.” (Psalm 139:14-15 esv)

As a musician, David, wrote a beautiful song extolling the wonder of the intricacy of our form. It’s just like a unique God to make each of His creatures unique as well.

You have a ministry and a commission given to you by Jesus Christ Himself to reach those around you in your ‘Jerusalem.’ You have an incomparable mission. We have a common goal to reach others for Christ, but your ministry is unique. Your circle of influence reaches people I will never touch. They’ll never read my writing or talk to me or hear me sing. They will have never heard of me. But they know you. They know your life. Who will cross your path today? Are you ready to be the witness God would have you be? Perhaps someone will need to hear words only you can speak, or you might be the only person who can empathize with someone’s plight. Pray. Be ready.

As I write this, God has seen fit to shake my world once again. Giant snowflakes fall in silence outside my window – so beautiful, but please, God – can we keep it down to just an inch or less?

Prayer: Lord, help me to be aware of my unique ministry. May I be led of the Holy Spirit to minister to those You bring across my path. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

To read the Lyrics to “There Is None Like You,” click here.

To hear a recording: click here.

I'm Smitten with Molly

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds. – James 1:2 ESV

We added a member to our household – a seven-week-old Boston Terrier. Oh, the joy of having a puppy. Molly, her name since this morning, nuzzles into your neck and your heart. She hops instead of runs, plays hard and sleeps soundly, and when we leave the room, cries in such a pitiful way we run right back in to comfort her.

Already I’ve seen a bit of stubbornness in her. She wants to sleep on the sofa right next to me, snuggled into a leopard print throw. When I get up to do chores, she keeps whining for me to sit back down.


How can such a tiny being have such a strong will? So far, I’m being accommodating, but eventually I’ll have to get stern with her. There’s no telling what kind of mess a puppy can get into without proper supervision.

Isn’t that like we humans? We place our hands on our hips, and defy God. “Why can’t You do what I want to do?” We question why we go through trials, when the Lord may be trying to train us, teach us, and is only concerned about our best interest. We can get ourselves into some pretty big messes when we ignore His direction, can’t we?

God accommodates His children to an extent, but then spiritually, we need to grow up. We bow to His will. His supervision will always be for our good. James the Apostle said the testing of our faith produces steadfastness. When we trust God during a difficult time, our faith increases, and we learn patience. We grow up a little.

According to what I’ve read, Boston Terriers have a tendency to resist being told what to do – another trait shared by many humans. Life will be much more pleasant for all of us if Molly learns to follow commands. God has laid out in His Word many commandments for us to follow. How much better would our lives be if we lived according to God’s Word?

I’m looking forward to the many spiritual lessons this little puppy will teach me. And she’s so cute, too! Only one downside - Boston Terriers snort, snuffle, wheeze, grunt, and snore loudly. Just what I needed. Don’t we hear enough of that already out of humans?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being so patient with your children. Help me to be accepting of Your will and Your instruction. Thank You for Your Word that teaches me. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

A story by Donna is included in:

Faithwriters - Learning for Life - Fall Edition

To order a copy, click here.

Competitive Spirit

I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me–the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. – Acts 20:24 niv

Many (many, many!) years ago, I attended a cheerleading camp. All week long, we practiced our cheers and choreographed our steps. At the end of the competition, the best squad won a trophy. Another competition went on simultaneously. Whoever won that one received the coveted ‘Spirit Stick.” After all, what would any self-respecting cheerleader be without that school spirit? The competition escalated as we neared the final ceremony. Many of the girls thrived on the tension. Not me. I became a nervous wreck.

I’m the type of person who throws in her cards when the competition heats up, or backs off when confronted with an overzealous opponent. My stomach quivers at the thought of such rivalry.

The apostle Paul, obviously well acquainted with competition, referred to winning quite often. In 1 Corinthians 9:23-24 (niv), Paul said, “I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”

Paul encouraged us to run to win. What do we win? He goes on to say in verse 25, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

When I feel overwhelmed by an opponent, I might mutter, “It’s only a game” or “I don’t care about winning that much.”

But when we’re talking about eternity, I do care, and I do want to win – souls for the Lord, and the battle against Satan. And one day a crown of life. In order to win, we must aggressively pursue a relationship with God, our Father, and be willing to stay in strict training as we pursue His will.

I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone in the past few months to promote my writing. I’m not adverse to hard work, researching the market, and writing till my fingers ache. I don’t want to come across as so humble that I don’t praise the Lord for what He’s done through me. For every article published, for every heart touched, for every person who is encouraged, I give God the glory. I’m thrilled He will use me. I’m thankful that, instead of a ‘Spirit Stick,” I have the real Spirit to help me, to prod me on, to encourage, and empower me. Praise the Lord!

If God wants me to do cartwheels (oh, I hurt at just the thought of it!) across a platform, I’d do it – even though at this point, it would mean enthusiastically promoting my latest project – my mid-life version of a cartwheel.

I feel like my no-compete clause has caused me to retreat. I'm defeating that tendency with God’s help. In the Christian race, we don’t compete against each other. When we work together in unity as a team to tell others of Jesus’ love, we all win.

My cheerleading squad may not have won the ‘Spirit Stick’ but I did end up getting a trophy one year for being the “Best All-Round Cheerleader.” Now I’m afraid I might just win one for being round.

Keep pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly calling of God. Are you in the running? And just for old time’s sake: Go, Christian, go!

Prayer: God, I thank You for the promise of a crown of life. I ask for strength to persevere, and the wisdom to do Your will. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

A Greeting from Donna

From This Moment

Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. – Jude 1:21 niv

I went to two weddings in one weekend. The first ceremony was held in a small, Pentecostal church with under a hundred guests in attendance. The entire bridal party consisted of a matron of honor and two flower girls. The forty-something first-time bride glowed in her traditional white gown with beads, lace, and sequins. Gail walked down the aisle to the music of “From This Moment” sung by a trio of friends and relatives. When the bride brushed the tears from the face of her groom after they said their vows, it seemed as if the entire crowd said, ‘Awww…” in unison.

Before the couple even kissed, I slipped out to go to the second wedding. An hour later I sat in a Catholic church with 300 other guests. Twelve, yes, twelve bridesmaids, three flower girls, and a ring bearer preceded the bride. The young bride, dressed in an understated, elegant gown walked slowly down the long aisle to the traditional Bridal Chorus played by violins. The formal ceremony lasted three times as long as the first one.

Even though the brides and their ceremonies differed in many ways, the love that brought the two couples together was the same. Each bride promised undying love and faithfulness. Each groom pledged to be true and supportive of his bride. I have no doubt as each man stood before God making his vows he would give his life for his bride.

Jesus gave His life for His bride, the Church. He proved His love on the cross. In Ephesians 5:22-33, Paul uses the imagery of a bride and groom to describe God’s relationship with the Church. God calls us to a lifetime of growing closer to Him.

A few days before the wedding, I asked Gail, the older of the two brides, if she had made all the preparations for the wedding. “Are you kidding?” she said, laughing. “When he proposed, I was ready.”

On the other hand, the younger bride took an entire year to prepare for her wedding. Are you prepared for Jesus’ return? We want to be prepared for His coming. It doesn’t take a year to prepare to meet Jesus as Savior. When you’re ready to become a Christian, God’s ready to accept you as you are. The Bible says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” – Romans 10:13 niv.

Each bride promised to remain faithful to her spouse. Have you remained true to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Many times our eyes wander. We get sidetracked into love affairs with the things of this world. As Gail promised to love her husband ‘from this moment on,’ we make a vow to be true to God, making Him the Lord of our life, not just for the moments of this life, but for all eternity.

Prayer: Dear God, thank You for being my Lord, and for Your boundless and indescribable love. My heart’s desire is to remain true to You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

One Hundred Steps

Read an inspirational message, “One Hundred Steps,” at Outside the City Gates’ Voice of Reason on Women with Heart.

In Sickness and Health

I’m one of the healthiest people I know. I try to maintain a positive outlook on life, and thank God every day for my health.

Recently a nasty bug invaded my body and wreaked havoc on me. After three long days, I feel better and almost back to my old self. No further comment on the ‘old.’

Being sick made me so thankful. Does that sound odd? While I lay in bed, I thought of those who feel sick in body day after day. How many people suffer for months, sometimes years with a sickness? And then I feel badly for three days and complain? Not me. I made the attempt to say very little. Although my family might argue the point, I tried valiantly to suffer in silence knowing this too would pass. Okay, maybe one or two complaints crossed my lips, but I did try!

When we become sick or something bad happens, our faith can be tested. At times, Satan works against us, but we can’t blame every ailment on Satan. While we are on earth, we live in a frail body subject to decay and illness. Corruption entered the world through sin. But we have hope in that while this body perishes, our soul lives forever with the Lord when we’ve made Him Lord of our life.

In Ecclesiastes 3:3, King Solomon wrote there is a time for everything including a time for healing. God can and does heal. He created our bodies to fight off disease and heal wounds. God give us the knowledge to create medicine and traditional cures. At times, He miraculously heals us. Our sickness allows God to show Himself as our Healer.

Why aren’t we all healed while on earth? Healing may come in this life or not until we reach Heaven. I don’t know why some people live with abundant health while others struggle. The reason some Christians fail to receive healing remains a secret, known only to God.

Those of you who struggle, I pray for God’s healing power for your body. I pray those of us who are relatively healthy will remember to thank God for our health and pray for those in need of a miracle.

“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” (3 John 1:2 niv)

Whew! I’m praising the Lord that nasty bug has left me alone!

Prayer: God, I thank You for health, and for healing my body. I ask that You touch those today in need of a miracle of healing physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Grant those who are discouraged peace and comfort through the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.