All tagged Bible Verse

Focusing On the Good

One of the reasons why blindness is so challenging is because I literally cannot get away from it.

It is something that cannot be fixed with a dose of Advil, a good night of sleep or a quick visit to the doctor.

It is always there, always debilitating, and always a challenge.

Can you relate?

Do you have a “thorn in the flesh” that seems to be stinging you with every step forward?

Relinquishing Your Fears to God

During a recent meeting of my monthly Bible study, the 5:7 Club, we did an activity that some may find a bit unsettling.

The ladies and I all took turns naming our fears.

Many of the worries expressed related to health concerns, loved ones, and an uncertain future.

For me, I often feel anxious about the unknown.  

You may be wondering, what exactly was the goal of this exercise?

Find Your Can

A question that I receive often is, “What does a normal day consist of for you and your guide dog?”

On an average morning, we are dropped off downtown where we will usually run by the coffee shop or head to my office to start working.

Work for my ministry usually consists of writing a blog or devotion, rehearsing a speech, conducting a Bible study, or having an encouragement session with someone either in person or over the phone.

All of which Jackson does not find too exciting, so he will settle in for a nap.

Throughout the day, Jackson and I may visit one of the local shops or grab a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant.

Not I but He

How many times in a day do you catch yourself using “I” phrases? Don’t worry, you are not alone. I am definitely guilty of dwelling on myself quite a bit throughout the day. My problems. My worries. My plans. My accomplishments. How often, though, do we take the time to reflect on the world around us?

Reading Psalm 104 gives us a great opportunity to do just that.

What is the Sword of the Spirit?

Until now, we have been on the defense, protecting ourselves with a glistening breastplate, a strong shield, reliable footwear, and a heavenly helmet.

Now, however, armed with the word of God, we are ready to take up the offense and fight.

One of the reasons that I love the Disney Parks so much is that there is just something so magical about seeing a previously 2-dimensional story come to life before me in 3- dimensional real-life action!

What is the Gospel of Peace?

“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:14-15, ESV)

I have been blessed to be able to travel quite a bit in my lifetime.

I love exploring new places and cultures.

All of my adventures have been so different, but each have one thing in common…a lot of walking!

While traversing a new destination, you learn just how important it is to have sturdy, reliable, and comfortable shoes on your feet. You can be as healthy and in shape as an Olympic athlete, but blisters or aching feet can bring down even the best of us and leave us missing out on precious sightseeing time!

How to Replace Our Fears with Faith

What makes you afraid?

When we take a closer look at our fears, many of them center around the unknown, unfamiliar, or what is out of our control.

One of my greatest fears is storms.

The power and unpredictability that they possess turn me into a nervous wreck every time the thunder begins to roll and rain pounds on the roof. You never can quite tell what a simple summer thunderstorm may progress into.

Ironically, before I lost my sight, I also had a fear of the dark.

How Do We Focus on the Good in Life?

One of the reasons why blindness is so challenging is because I literally cannot get away from it.

It is something that cannot be fixed with a dose of Advil, a good night of sleep or a quick visit to the doctor.

It is always there, always debilitating, and always a challenge.

Can you relate?

Do you have a “thorn in the flesh” that seems to be stinging you with every step forward?

Finding Christmas Courage

I love to read and listen to audiobooks, and one of my favorite authors is Karen Kingsbury.

Not only are her novels compelling and entertaining, but they are all based on scripture and Biblical truths.

Her writing always leaves me with a sense of peace and gratitude towards our Lord and Savior, and I always tend to learn something new about God and His word.

While reading Kingsbury’s novel, “Truly, Madly, Deeply,” I was given a whole new perspective on a Bible story that all of us know so well…the Christmas Story.

We often read the account of Jesus’ miraculous conception and birth with a sense of hope, joy, and peace.

How to Stay “In-Step” with the Holy Spirit

When I received my guide dog, Jackson, I was so excited for the freedom and independence he would bring to my life.

And I definitely have not been disappointed!

I feel so much more confident traveling independently with my boy by my side. However, I also knew that having a guide dog would come with its challenges and occasional hardships.

Having a dog is very different from simply walking with a white cane.

For one thing, when you have a dog, you are responsible for a living, breathing animal. This means that, on occasion, they will become sick and need a day or two off of work.

What Are You Thankful For?

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving!

The day when we get to stuff ourselves with turkey, dressing, and sweet potato casserole while being surrounded by family and friends. I honestly cannot think of anything better!

I love Thanksgiving for several reasons.

First, I get to visit with family who I don’t get to see that often.

Second, it means that Christmas is right around the corner.

Third, the food!!!

Fun fact: I actually love Thanksgiving food so much that I had it served at my wedding reception. My favorite? Sweet potato casserole!

Is My Life More Than A Tragedy?

My trip to Leader Dogs for the Blind in Michigan last month was a blessing for many different reasons.

The main reason, of course, is that I came back with my wonderful guide dog Jackson. He is such a gentleman and has truly changed my life already.

One of the other main reasons it was such a great trip is because of all of the people that I met. There were about twelve other people in my class at Leader Dog, and everyone was from different places and backgrounds with varying ages, careers, and even ranges of vision.

No, not everyone who receives a guide dog is totally blind.

Breaking Up with My To-Do List

One of my strengths is that I am proactive, a planner, and the complete opposite of a procrastinator.

When I get an idea in my head or have a task to accomplish, I work efficiently and endlessly until it is finished!

However, this can also be one of my greatest weaknesses because sometimes, if I’m being honest, I take it a little too far.

The notion that tasks, plans, or exciting new ventures need to be realized instantly is not always realistic.

This personality quirk shows up in virtually every aspect of my life.

If I get an idea for a new project around the house, I would prefer for it to be done that day.

If I have a long to-do list, I often will not rest until each task is checked off.