Do you get stuck in worry? It's hard to take the simple advice of "don't worry" when you feel your problems are so big. Dorothea reminds us where to place that worry so we can have the joy in life God intends. "Do not fret—it leads only to evil." (Psalm 378b) Is it because I often hear, “don’t worry,” or “give it to God,” or “cast your cares. . .” that these sentiments come across as trite? Maybe it’s because the person saying it to me doesn’t pause long enough for me to respond. They launch into their lecture based on their perception of my situation without having all the facts. I know they mean well, but it can leave me frustrated. Where is the comfort I seek for my hurting heart? After all that God has seen me … [Read more...]

Illness can bring on real concerns, like "Will I have a long life?" Have you dealt with these worries? Laura shares her thoughts. "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10) I handle chronic illness pretty well most of the time, but then something jolts me. This time it was a silly comic strip--Funky Winkerbean, 10/8/12. In it Les, the main character, pulls out a video cassette recording his late wife Lisa made for him. Lisa died of cancer in 2007 and made many tapes for Les and his daughter to view at pivotal moments in their lives. The caption said “If you are watching this you obviously did not … [Read more...]