​We will use the alphabet as an acrostic and study topics like: Abide, Beloved, Calling, Delight, Endure, Faithful, Garment, Hunger, Increase, Justice, Kindness, Light, Manna, Name, Ordain, Path, Quench, Ransom, Salt, Testify, Upright, Vanity, Wait, Yield, and Zeal.

Every week, we’ll discover a different topic. Each topic is accompanied by five Scripture verses—one for each weekday. The FREE STUDY GUIDE has a page for each verse. Those spaces will invite you to write the verses out and journal what you’ve learned.

Every time I read God’s Word I learn something new. I also find that Scripture writing really helps me meditate, and as I meditate, God always shows me just what I need for that day—it’s AMAZING!

It was an early morning in November 2011 when my sisters and I sat with our dad in a surgical waiting room. Just a few short weeks before, our mom had been diagnosed with breast cancer found during a routine yearly mammogram.

I sat there that morning recalling the events of the weeks since the day we heard the dreaded “C” word. There had been a whirlwind of doctor’s appointments, scans, blood tests, and consultations.

I remember when the breast cancer specialist told us in a family consultation that the best course of action for the type of cancer my mom had was a mastectomy—a radical amputation of my mom’s breast. It was a shock, but none of us argued that day in the doctor’s office because we trusted she knew the best course of action to eradicate the cancer in my mother’s body. 

The doormat in front of our cozy loft apartment declares “This is our happy place.” My husband and I found the quotation fitting because we’re both homebodies—me especially. I take comfort in the feel, smell, and comfort of home. When I walk through the door after a day of talking to patients and concerned parents at work, a sense of peace settles back into my heart.
 
Lately, between COVID-19 and the election process, our home has felt more like a safe-haven than ever. But even the security of home hasn’t been able to calm my heart lately. Fear of an unknown future creeps into my happy place through our phones, tablets, and computers. It seeps under the cracks and crevices and worms its way into my heart.

​Why do I fear the whirlwind of change, uncertainty, germs, and politics swirling outside my door? 

I love this time of year. The variety and beauty of the colors on display coupled with the need to get out my electric blanket makes my heart rejoice. Pumpkin spice in my coffee and fires in the fireplace are special treats. This change in season is a change I welcome and embrace. I can quickly acknowledge that God is the Author of such a wonderful part of His creation. He deserves all the credit for His work and way. It is easy for me to see Him and His ability in every intricate leaf and cool breeze. Have I said how much I love this time of year? ​

​Change of seasons for a Creator God is effortless. He spoke and all the world was formed. Change is His business. He can perform it at will and with a perspective that is guided by His sovereignty. 

We will use the alphabet as an acrostic and study topics like: Abide, Beloved, Calling, Delight, Endure, Faithful, Garment, Hunger, Increase, Justice, Kindness, Light, Manna, Name, Ordain, Path, Quench, Ransom, Salt, Testify, Upright, Vanity, Wait, Yield, and Zeal.

Every week, we’ll discover a different topic. Each topic is accompanied by five Scripture verses—one for each weekday. The FREE STUDY GUIDE has a page for each verse. Those spaces will invite you to write the verses out and journal what you’ve learned.

Every time I read God’s Word I learn something new. I also find that Scripture writing really helps me meditate, and as I meditate, God always shows me just what I need for that day—it’s AMAZING!

I still remember the day I read this quote from Streams in the Desert by Lettie Burd Cowman.

My husband and I had left a ministry of twenty years to answer the call of returning to our college alma mater. His new position would be sports ministry director and head baseball coach. This was his dream job. He was about to complete his masters and this was an open door to what God had placed on his heart when he started this pursuit. ​

Many things about this decision did not make sense from a human perspective. The pay was less. I was pregnant with our eleventh child. Our oldest daughter was a senior in high school and would be left behind to complete her year.

Have you ever stopped and taken a count of how often you complain in a day? Let me tell you from personal experience, it is not a pleasant task. In fact, it can be quite shocking. First, there are numerous, minor annoyances that seem to plague daily life and provide ample temptation to grumble. For myself, it is so easy to brush off a grouchy reaction to such frustrations and say, “I’m not complaining! I’m just stating a fact.” However, if I allow the Spirit even a few moments to speak to and judge my heart, the honest truth is that I am, in fact, complaining. ​

But then there are circumstances and adversities that are truly difficult and even severe.