Crossroads

I attended a funeral recently. I saw loved ones and friends shed tears. But, I believe there was rejoicing in their hearts as they imagined their loved one's joy walking through the "pearly gates" and hearing homecoming greetings. "Fix My Heart" Revision II comes out in paperback and hardback in a few days. It is a women's devotional designed to help restore the troubled heart. I leave you to read (in part) Day 10, "After grace, Mary's three children passed their plates for her to fill. She added a dinner roll and scoops of the steaming casserole to each dish. Mary's eyes softened as she heard their words of thanks. She often told God what a blessing they were to her. She believed with God's guidance, she would rear her children with love, kindness, and compassion. Her life was different after her husband's death two years before. She had imagined she and her husband would have danced together until they were old and grey. But life was about accepting the things she couldn't change, and she was doing her best. She praised God for giving her daily strength and bringing people into her life to help along her journey. She was thankful He supplied her family's spiritual, physical, and emotional needs." Motivation: When Mary encountered spiritual difficulties, God's armor served her well. The Helmet of Salvation protected her head from fatal blows. It covered her thoughts from Satan's ability to tempt her with discouragement. She realized the devil is relentless in his pursuit to win the battle he wages on earth. Mary was confident God had a plan and purpose for her family. Wearing the Helmet of Salvation freed her to think and do good things. Application: Salvation is eternal, and Christians cannot lose it. It is our impenetrable defense against the enemy.The Helmet of Salvation protects Christian women when fighting spiritual battles. Wearing the Helmet of Salvation is the last armor put on each morning. It assures women of their hope through Christ and the readiness for whatever comes throughout the day. God has won the battle. We have Salvation. Victory is ours.

Are You A Generational Influencer?

I'm glad I am a grandparent rather than a parent of youngsters in the 21st century. Why? In today’s society, facts and realities are becoming stranger than fiction. I watch the young, the inbetweeners, and the old reeling from worldly blasts of misinformation. These generations include the Traditionalists—born between 1925 and 1945; Baby Boomers—born between 1946 and 1964; Generation X—born between 1965 and 1980; Millennials—born between 1981 and 2000; and Generation Z—born between 2001 to 2020. Most of us would agree parents and grandparents influence behavior. They make a difference in the lives of younger generations. Why not make Godly instruction and principles part of it? Children reflect parental love and guidance when they have received good moral training. Occasionally, when parents need to smooth out a child’s rough edges, I imagine grandma and grandpa putting on their prayer-warrior hats. Parents want the best for their families; God wants the best for His. Generations are blessed when grandparents, parents, and children align with God’s purpose for living a “well-done” life. That way, every age can bring hope to their society and its future. Verse of the Month: “Since God has created us for His glory, we are to glorify God in all that we do with our lives. “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Photo cred: Kevin Carden Art (#kevincardenphotography). Kevin, your art is a blessing.