Author: mbethany
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Sometimes We Need Rain
On a blistering hot day last summer, I was drawn to the sun room although I knew it would be 10 degrees warmer still. The dog curled up on my lap, insistent he wanted our burning and dehydration to be a shared experience. In the haze of the heat I heard a sweet sound: distant…
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A Testimony to God’s Faithfulness and Thank You to YOU
Do you know the old hymn “Up from Grave He Arose?” It’s one of my favorites, and when I am bursting with excitement and praise, I pump my arms and sing it loudly off-key. There has been much occasion for this silly display recently, even in the midst of the pandemic. A Call to Pray…
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The Milestone That Wasn’t
Months in advance, I plan which previously published posts I’ll share on Recharge Wednesday. When I saw the date this was planned for, I thanked God again. One loved one’s graduation has been canceled. Dear friends’ wedding may have to be limited to family. COVID-19 is messing with milestones for many of us. Yet God…
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5 Encouragements When All You Can Do Is Pray
I wrote the following post before COVID-19 was an issue. How much more real this is today, when we feel helpless in the face of suffering, unable to even extend a hug… If I’m honest, “just praying” makes me feel helpless. The frustration and despair in my heart when I’m told all I can do…
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Dealing With What You Didn’t Choose
One of the greatest evidences of sin, in my experience, is this: Victims must confess the crimes committed against them. For criminals to go behind bars, victims have to share what was done to them. Those harmed in ways that cause lasting damage have to live everyday with someone else’s choices. There are things outside…
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Lessons on Assumption
During college, I took a course on intercultural competency. The main point of the course was when we first encounter a new culture, we should recognize our own incompetency. The most important skill to master? Don’t make assumptions. Incidentally, a mortifying misunderstanding in the class drove this home most powerfully. Assumption #1 Our professor was…
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When Your Manna Tastes Bland
When I had me wisdom teeth removed (gag), the surgery went well, but there were complications during my recovery. I’ll spare you the gory details. Suffice it to say, I had to eat the same bland, soft foods for about a month. Let me tell you: diversity of diet is a spiritual need. Maybe that’s…
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Encouragement from Hebrews 11
God’s Big Enough for Our Little Faith I love when God weaves together what you’re reading with what is going on in your life. Recently, my guy and I were talking about taking small steps of faith. I’d been reading about Abraham and we’re in a season of stepping into the unknown. What a joy…
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Dying for Christ Vs. Living For Him
Have you ever played the game “would you rather?” Someone offers two options, from the silly to the bizarre, and everyone takes turns explaining which option they’d choose. Would you rather have a calculator in your brain or a camera? Would you rather only ever eat peanut butter or chocolate? Would you rather that the…
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How do you celebrate the Easter season?
Early in our marriage, my husband told me Easter is his favorite holiday- and he wanted to really celebrate it. I was at a loss. The day Jesus rose from the grave is an important one, but somehow “Easter season” doesn’t have the same ring to it as “the most wonderful time of the year.”…