Category: Freedom

Live With Courage And Confidence

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Live With Courage And Confidence
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Recently, I connected with a dear friend and learned about her struggle with cancer. Not only her courage to face cancer, but the tenacity and grit it takes to go through chemo treatments. On top of that, to deal with side effects. Little sleep, loss of hair, skin so sensitive you can’t comfortably wear a hat or light scarf. Terrible pain. Time off work. Daily responsibilities still demand attention. Without a doubt, it takes courage and confidence to make it through such difficult circumstances.

How I admire this friend. Each day, she rises into new courage as she manages these realities. Plus, she remains confident God will carry her through. At the same time, she is honest and authentic about her sufferings.

So, let’s dive into what it means to live with courage and confidence each day – no matter what your situation.

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Strong Hope #5 – Scripture Dissection

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Strong Hope #5 - Scripture Dissection
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As I consider today’s material: “Strong Hope,” I’m reminded of a Bible passage in one of my quiet times. Interestingly, a thought struck me as I read that passage. Simply this.

If I were to make a list of all the struggles, issues, sorrows, and difficulties in my life so far –

– and if I were to put a column of dates next to them (similar to what I have in my Bible)

– then, if I were to record a verse or promise God gave me for that particular situation in a third column

– I would have an amazing record of God’s faithfulness in my neediness. In fact, I’d have enough material to publish a book about strong hope.

This is #5 in a series on hope.

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You Are Included – Hope #3

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You Are Included - Hope #3
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As I write “You Are Included,” I remember a special event several years ago.

I was finishing a book manuscript in a bed and breakfast when I met a lovely couple staying in the next room. In the dining area, they invited me to join them at their table. I learned they were on their honeymoon through a previous, introductory conversation. So, I declined. Still, I felt special to be invited.

The next day, they invited me again! I told them my reservation – “You’re on your honeymoon, and I don’t want to barge in!” They reassured they wanted to visit with me. Suddenly, I had courage to say, “yes.” Subsequently, I found myself delightfully included at their table.

This is #3 in a series on hope. It’s been encouraging exploring hope for two articles. Check them out. (See below.)

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How To Be Real

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How To Be Real
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A couple of decades ago, there was a commercial for Coca-Cola that claimed – “It’s the real thing.” If this is before your time, just google it. There was another trend during those years. Basically, how to be real. I also recall another phrase – “It’s the real deal.” Incidentally, that phrase inspired marketing strategies, shareable images, at least one podcast, creative pictures, and use in daily conversation.

Essentially, it means – “the real thing, genuine, not fake, not imitation, not a copy.”

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The Doors Of Your Life

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The Doors Of Your Life
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You’ve heard the illustration of standing in front of several doors, having to choose one without knowing what’s behind each. Similarly, doors you choose for your life become your reality. This can be exciting. Contrastingly, some doors bring great sadness. Nevertheless, you discover new things behind doors. And new experiences can provide hope – if you hold God’s hand while you open and close doors of your life.

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Hope And Hard Work – Scripture Dissection

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Hope And Hard Work - Scripture Dissection
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Do you remember Aragorn’s famous quote in The Lord Of The Rings? “There is always hope!” Then there’s another quote by the great soccer player, Pele. “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice – and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” Hope and hard work are guideposts that keep you on a good path.

The first quote provides a picture of avoiding despair – when there is still hope. The second is a realistic picture of what hard work looks like.

Now – let’s tear into hope and hard work.

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Secrets About Your Life In Christ – Scripture Dissection

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Secrets About Your Life In Christ - Scripture Dissection
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You know what it’s like when you’re about to tell someone a secret. Or when they want to tell you a secret. You “lean into” the other person with eager expectation. Even excitement. There are many kinds of secrets to share with a friend in life. And the best ones are secrets about your life in Christ.

So – let’s tear into it!

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The Stumbling Stone – Scripture Dissection

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The Stumbling Stone - Scripture Dissection
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Some years back, I accompanied my grandkids to a park. They were full of energy and expectation. Upon arrival, I gave the usual warning – “Now, be careful as you tackle this playground!” Their response? “O.K. We will!” Well, they climbed equipment, explored, and jumped from tree stump to every conquerable obstacle. The oldest mid-teen made a bounding leap – landing in a wipe-out. Boom! “Are you OK?” “Ya. I’m fine.” Then, another bounding leap – another wipe-out! Kersplat! “You still OK?” “Yup, I’m good.” Remarkably, yet another attempted giant leap for “teen-kind.” Ya-hoo-hoo-hoo! Trip-and-sprawl! Back up again – still grinning. Goodness! That brilliant offspring found every stumbling stone the park offered. Perhaps a successful visit?! I think it’s worth exploring what a stumbling stone is.

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Unsure About Boundaries?

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Unsure About Boundaries?
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There are lots of resources about boundaries. Equally, there’s lots of confusion about that topic. I’ve heard many opinions about setting boundaries. Some are helpful. Others are uninformed. A few are arrogant. And some are rather judgmental. Basically, it seems many folks are unsure about boundaries.

So, is “boundaries” just another “buzz” word? What does God think about boundaries? And why would you set boundaries in your life?

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The Shame Thing – Scripture Dissection

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The Shame Thing - Scripture Dissection
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I remember a funny quote in the movie, “Mulan.” : “Dishonor! Dishonor on your whole family! Dishonor on you, dishonor on your cow . . . ” Do you remember it? Incidentally, this rebuke is spoken by Mushu, a Chinese dragon – Mulan’s companion. Actually, dishonor is something like shame. In fact, dishonor is a strong match for shame according to a thesaurus. You might wonder if I’m going to suggest – – under no circumstances should you allow yourself to experience shame. Not so. Unfortunately, too many people don’t have healthy contrition anymore. Conversely, many people don’t know what to do with undeserved shame. Let’s explore the shame thing.

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