My animals often reveal things in my heart that I can easily manage or bury in day-to-day living. Yesterday was Gretchen’s turn to clean out my heart. It was hot and the week had been long and busy. I planned to stop by for a quick pat on the nose and a weight measurementContinue reading “Cleaning out the heart”
Author Archives: Billie Jo
It’s too much. We can’t do it.
“This place is a wasteland. Send them on, Jesus. There’s not enough here to meet our needs…let alone their needs.” Do you ever look around your world and feel like that? The problems and the heartaches seem too big. The resources too meager. You’ve seen miracles…seen Jesus work but now you are tired. That’sContinue reading “It’s too much. We can’t do it.”
Family – training for relationship
God created us for relationship–and family is intended to be the safe place for learning and practicing relationship skills. We become our very best…and relate our very best to others…when we know who we are designed to be and how to live fully in Christ! What we learn only in our heads can be difficultContinue reading “Family – training for relationship”
Bunnies are Bullies
BULLYING Current statistics indicate half of school-age children report having been bullied in the past month. A strong link exists between bullying and suicide–the leading cause of death for young people. Bullying is an increasing problem, but it isn’t a new problem nor is it confined to schools. Businesses bully, politicians bully, police bully, minoritiesContinue reading “Bunnies are Bullies”
Condition of Love
Love is not in very good shape in our world, is it? Hateful, despicable words are common. This world has a filter of self-indulgence, self-defense and self-promotion. Sadly, it is a filter used by religious folks as much as political leaders. In contrast, the filter of love is the character of God. The silver liningContinue reading “Condition of Love”
Building Relationships
“There is no beauty in domination. Control is a cheap substitute for partnership.” Anna Blake Relationships matter! We have shared before some principles taught in an equine coaching program that offer solid wisdom for our human connections. In a relationship: If it’s not good for both, it’s not good for either. A healthy relationshipContinue reading “Building Relationships”
Do you live a divided life?
Confusion is a tool of the enemy. God is a God of order and peace. He says what He means, He means what He says…and He offers us a choice to believe it or not. Our choices have consequences. We live in a confused and chaotic world because so many choose not to believe whatContinue reading “Do you live a divided life?”
The Power of Choice & Change
The Serenity Prayer…do you remember it? Serenity to accept what can’t be changed. Courage to change what can be changed. Wisdom to know the difference. Often, we fall into self-pity instead of choosing to accept responsibility for what we CAN change! That keeps us from ever reaching serenity…or developing courage. Instead of seeking wisdom–which begins withContinue reading “The Power of Choice & Change”
Where is peace?
The Serenity Prayer has spoken to hearts for decades. The author is often listed as ‘Anonymous’ and frequently the second stanza is eliminated. The longing for peace transcends time and culture. Sometimes, though, the piece is attributed to certain theologians or martyrs of the Christian faith–which takes one a little closer to the truth of its history. As it always does,Continue reading “Where is peace?”
Do I matter? Does anyone care?
It is the question we hate feeling: Do I matter? Does anyone care? We spend much of our lives seeking activities and relationships that give us an affirmative answer. There is only One who can answer that to our complete satisfaction. The only One who can answer it is the One who created us. Animals areContinue reading “Do I matter? Does anyone care?”
