... and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23 What are the crosses of our lives?  All those things, people, and circumstances that are difficult for us – illness, loss, unloving people, challenging projects, times with too much to do, times when we aren’t appreciated…  So many crosses big and small.  Jesus encourages us to do the hard thing, not run from it.  Do what we know is right, no matter the consequence.  To deny ourselves is to not put our needs first, but

... for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 Can God use a lost cell phone to show us his love?  You be the judge. As I arrived at my church to begin the first of three spiritual direction sessions, I realized I couldn’t find my cell phone.  My mind immediately went to reviewing my day and the last time I remembered using it – at Costco to check my shopping list.  Did I leave it there?  Had it fallen out of my purse?  Was it between the se

1 Corinthians 13:1, 6 Love   does not rejoice in what is wrong but rejoices with the truth. “ I had always thought of the above Scripture...