Author Archives: Billie Jo

Winning in Life!

Ever fight a war with an enemy caused by an enemy you cannot see?  We all have—and do.  My current battle is a minor but aggravating one:  chigger bites.  Creatures so tiny, the head of a pin can hold two or three but their poison so vile it literally dissolves skin tissue.  At first, theyContinue reading “Winning in Life!”

Crafting Prayers

I stumbled across a phrase in a book I am reading that set my mind and heart on fire, and I want to share it with you.  “Crafted prayers.” Does that stir your heart like it does mine?  The moment I read it, I recognized a concept that I wanted to invest in more deeply. Continue reading “Crafting Prayers”

NO MORE BULLIES!

Bullying is an increasing problem, but it isn’t a new problem nor is it confined to schools.   Social-media bullying is rampant; actually every area of life is vulnerable to the phenomenon of bullying. Businesses bully, politicians bully, police bully, minorities bully, families bully–and sadly, even Christians bully. Bullying isn’t always violent, but it is alwaysContinue reading “NO MORE BULLIES!”

Let the Weeds Teach You

It’s my annual battle with the weeds of South Carolina that live on a precious old fence in our yard.  Weeds is a misnomer.  They are invasive aggressors that strangle, kill and destroy.  Every spring I tackle the vines and try new approaches.  Each year I’ve cut the fence a bit freer; I’ve used weedContinue reading “Let the Weeds Teach You”

Courage for Life!

Life is hard.  Suicide is NOT the answer. There are no easy answers and no short cuts to the clichéd idea of ‘a life worth living.’  The spate of suicides we’ve seen among the rich & famous scream out the emptiness of fame and fortune.  The devastating statistics on addiction declare a dead-end for escapingContinue reading “Courage for Life!”

Living in the Presence of God

When we accept the completed work of Christ for salvation, we actually enter into eternal life as we walk our earthly path. So, why doesn’t this life feel like heaven on earth?  Why are believers as apt to have divorces, addictions and chaos as non-believers?  It ought not be! It need not be so…the choiceContinue reading “Living in the Presence of God”

When Honoring is Hard

For many, it is the most ‘sentimental’ day of the year.  It can be a day of joy or a day of despair or even resentment.  Not all feel blessed by their birth families—not all are blessed.  Many have lost their parents and grieve what was and what might have been.  We live in aContinue reading “When Honoring is Hard”

Does the Promised Land have droughts?

When God delivered His kids from captivity, He said residency in the Promised Land was conditional.  That’s a timeless truth.  The promised land is nothing like the world, and dwelling in it requires a total change.  In the Promised Land, God is the caretaker and our trust must be totally in Him.  Look at howContinue reading “Does the Promised Land have droughts?”

Family Mission Statement

Have you ever considered writing a family mission statement?  It is a great endeavor.  Years ago as we completed a Crown Financial Ministries Money Map, we were asked to do just that.  As I went over paperwork for tax season, that ‘Money Map’ was in my folder.  It blended so perfectly with my morning devotionContinue reading “Family Mission Statement”