There are times in life when what should be obvious isn't. That's why it's good to have God and trustworthy friends to give us in-put. I'll share a humorous example, but the principle applies to serious situations as well.   At a time when we had two young missionaries from other countries...

Discernment is defined as "keen perception or judgment; insight." The best way to gain discernment is through meditating upon the Bible and seeking God's wisdom in prayer. It's so foolish to think that I have better insight into what's best for me than God, who already knows my whole future. But I...

In marriage (and in many relationships), it is important to be sensitive to the other person's opinions and feelings when discussing things that affect both of us. I am growing in this area, but I still slip up now and then.   Here's an example of a mistake on my part. Normally, Tom and I...

I love the assurance in Philippians 1:6 that Christ will finish the work He has started in me. He won't give up on me, even when I'm ready to give up. He's right there, always encouraging, guiding, forgiving and loving.   To experience His love fully, however, I need to recognize my...

Sometimes, after we've suffered the consequences of a mistake, we may wonder why our loved ones didn't warn us. In reality, they probably tried, but we weren't receptive. Or we may have made it very clear that we didn't want advice. I know that there are two basic reasons I don't seek advice (from...

God promises to give His children wisdom when they sincerely ask for it in faith (see James 1:5-8). But there are times when things don't turn out as we expected, and in those times, we may wonder if we really received the wisdom we genuinely sought. If we are earnestly seeking His will, God will...

One morning, I was reflecting upon the hymn "Just As I Am" and upon the story of it's invalid author, Charlotte Elliott. Because this was one of my mother's favorite hymns, my thoughts drifted back to her memorial service and the Lord reminded me of an important lesson: trust that He is bigger...

I would like to look at the relationship between Balaam and his donkey, but first I need to set the stage. As described in the Bible (chapter 22 of Numbers), there was a non-Jewish prophet named Balaam who lived in Moabite territory. The Moabite king wanted to hire Balaam to curse the Israelites....

I need to be aware of the subtle ways I unintentionally usurp another person's initiative. Regardless of whether or not I intend to be helpful, when I do for another person what they could do for themselves, I'm not being helpful. In fact, I'm actually hindering their growth. I will share a few...

I have been guilty of two opposite mistakes in my marriage. I didn't share my feelings honestly with my husband and just let him have his way even when I disagreed, or I tried to persuade him to my point of view.   Both are wrong. As a couple, what we should do is honestly share our feelings...