There are so many women raising children on their own. It shouldn’t be this way.

Having been a single mom more than a married mom, I know the burdens that they bear. It’s not easy at all.

God meant for a man and woman to marry and raise children together. Kids need both a mom and dad to give them balance in life. A mother to nurture and a father to discipline. Unfortunately some of us women find ourselves raising children on our own.

Ephesians 6:2-3 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”

There are several obstacles to deal with as a single mom. The first being loneliness. Most times, it can feel like you’re trying to conquer the world on your own and that nobody cares. If you know of a single mom in your neighborhood; in your church, or you work with a single mom, get to know her. Become her friend and get to know her kids. Then, when you can, offer to watch her kids or take her out for a coffee.

It’s hard to not get depressed or angry as a single mom. But, it’s possible to overcome these negative thoughts and habits. I found that having girlfriends, being involved in my church and having time alone with God got me through some tough times. Looking back, I did the best I could. Both my kids turned out great; they’re both doctors.

I hope the people that were around me at the time I was a single mom know how much I appreciated them.

Just to name a few of these folks: Janel, Ellan, Mary, Polly, Craig, Pat, Roy, my mom, Margaret and Dave and Becky and Dave. Thank you.

As a Christian I think we should serve single moms as much as we serve the widows.

And, let’s not forget about the single dad’s out there either. Kuddos to you dads for taking on this role too.

God bless all the single parents out there.

To be insecure is to lack confidence or trust, whether it be in ourselves or someone else.

As a Christian, to find yourself insecure is saying to God, “I don’t fully trust you.”

Jeremiah 17:7-8 - “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

One of Satan’s biggest weapons is doubt. Satan loves for us to question who we are or even how we measure up to others.

A big cause of feelings of insecurity is reliance in wealth and possessions, instead of God. But the Bible plainly tells us to not put our hopes in earthly riches, which will rust away, but to trust God, who provides us with everything we need.

A lot of people will worry about having enough money, or when to retire, based on how much money is in their bank account. This tells me that they’re insecure of who they are in Christ.

We can’t have both - insecurity and freedom. Either you trust God to provide for you and your future (freedom) or you worry about how you’re going to make the money work for retirement (insecurity).

As for me, I trust God 100%. Even if I lost all my money and worldly possessions, I know that God will take care of me.

Freedom in Christ! Try it!

You can be traveling on the right road, but if you miss the mile marker you’re looking for, you’ll miss the exit altogether.

I’ve always loved a good road trip. I really like the spontaneous idea of just getting in the car and driving, with no agenda on the schedule.

Early on, before Google Maps and other directional devices, I would contact the local AAA office and ask for a trip ticket, which was a detailed itinerary, including maps, etc. This was a great tool to use, as it showed in detail where to turn, what exits to take, down to the mile markers to look for.

Think of the above scenario as it applies to a Christian’s life. We’re all on the same path (or should be). Our destination is the same (eternity in heaven). But, are some of us getting off on the wrong road at times? I know I have found myself down the wrong road and have wondered how I got so far off the path. I remind myself that unless I stay in the word (the Bible), I will tend to stray. Instead of allowing God to steer my life in the right direction, I make my own turn and get lost.

You don’t want to go somewhere without a map. Just as you don’t want to go through life without the Bible and God.

What has taken you off the road today? What exit did you take by mistake that has left you lost and bewildered?

Get right with God and stay on course. The road to heaven is narrow but God’s got the road map and is in the driver’s seat.

Mile marker - Exit Heaven!

Colossians 1:10 - “so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;”

Acceptance is “the action of consenting to receive or undertake something offered.”

Acceptance is a part of life, starting at birth. We accept the parents God gives us. We accept nourishment and guidance as we grow to be an adult.

The opposite of acceptance is to decline something offered. We have choices every day. As an adult, you can accept the fact that you have a job; get up and go to the job. If you decline, there are usually consequences. If you continually decline to go to work, well, you will not have a job to go to.

As we age, we have to accept the fact that our parents, grandparents, or even friends may die.

The most important thing in each of our lives, is who do we accept as our God. Who do we accept as ruler over our lives? This is a choice. You’re either serving God or other gods in your life.

One would think there is an obvious choice. Choose God equals choosing life. Choose satan equals to choosing death.

We all crave acceptance by others. As Christians, we should desire to have a good testimony in the world. But don’t crave popularity among men, crave popularity with God. Crave your worth in God alone and you’ll be accepted and loved by our creator.

Accept Christ today if you haven’t done so. I promise you, you’ll never regret it.

1 Peter 3:8 -”Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”

A talent is described as “a natural aptitude or skill.” A talent is something you’re borne with that gives you unique skills and abilities.

God gifts us all with talents of some type. Some, more than others. I’ve always wanted to sing beautiful melodies, but anyone that knows me and is honest, knows that I can’t carry a tune in a bucket!

Oh, I could probably take voice lessons and be decent, but I know the talents I have and singing is not one of them.

God gifted me with various artistic talents. I love writing (duh). I love oil painting and crafting (mainly with my granddaughter, Ady).

I also have hobbies, not necessarily talents. Like hiking, cycling and swimming.

More than any talent God has blessed me with, I’m the most proud of the gift of serving. I love serving people. I am so blessed to now to be in a profession that serves people, personally, in their present lives, evaluating and meeting their needs on a daily basis.

Some people will say, “I don’t have any talents, or hobbies.” Unlikely, but this is when you go to God, asking for these gifts. Ask God to give you the desire to serve others.

There are so many elderly people, who go days without seeing another human. I’ve said this before, visit a nursing home; volunteer at an assisted living. These people need you.

I promise, once you start doing this, you will be blessed beyond measure.

Ephesians 2:10 - “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

In my life God has worked through my suffering to accomplish His purposes. Has this been easy for me? No. Who likes to go through suffering?

It has allowed me the ability to forgive others who have done me wrong.

I spoke about Job in my book I wrote, “Mission Possible.” It’s really hard to imagine that God would give Satan permission to bring trouble into Job’s life, but that’s exactly what happened.

In the end of Job’s story, Job persevered through the horrendous trials and he proved that there is only one true God. Job could have become bitter and resentful to God, but he didn’t.

Job’s story gives me comfort, because it showcases God’s faithfulness and His ability to glorify Himself through times of testing.

If you find yourself in a difficult season right now, find encouragement through this reminder: God will turn it around for good. Somehow God will see you through. Don’t doubt that!

God may be using your struggle to bring someone to Christ.

Don’t give up - persevere - God reigns!

2 Corinthians 4:17 - “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,”

My grandkids love story-time at my house. I have three shelves of books, but Ady keeps going back to the same book called, “Little Lost Angel.” It was my book when I was a little girl. It’s about a story of an angel from heaven who got left behind from the other angels. But, instead of feeling sorry for herself, she decided to help others along the way. She gives away her harp and her wings.

I can see why Ady wants to keep re-visiting the story. It has compassion, intrigue and purpose. I hope the story leaves her with the thoughts of giving to others without expecting anything in return.

The Bible is full of stories like the one above. You see, when you give your life to Christ; when you commit each day to follow Him, giving will come natural; loving will be easy.

For those of you who have young kids or grandkids, read to them. The Bible is full of teachable stories that will benefit kids later on. The world needs more compassion and understanding.

Each of us have our own story to tell. People can’t dismiss your personal testimony because it’s your story. They can’t deny it.

Tell someone your story today. Emphasize how God is the author and has been writing your story every day and will continue to do so.

Ephesians 4:29 - “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

Matthew 14:29 - “He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.”

Think about the above scene, where Jesus had just walked on the water and is asking Peter to get out of the boat. What would you have done? Would you believe that you could walk on the water like Jesus did? Or would you be too afraid to try, thinking you would sink in the water?

Peter is overcome by the risks of walking on the water and starts to sink. Where was Peter’s faith that night?

Life is full of taking risks, and missing the opportunity to take these risks could lead to regret.

Are you dealing with a risk up ahead that you’re stressing about? Will you step out in faith, even though knowing that it’s a risky situation? Are you trusting that God’s in control, or are you looking at yourself, seeing how you’re going to handle it?

Faith cannot and will not exist without a little bit of risk. God intentionally designs situations in our lives so that we may look to Him for our true source of guidance and strength.

Risks are an inevitable part of our lives. It’s through risk taking that we exercise our faith in God who cancels out all risks and makes things work out for our good, for those who love and obey Him.

God will turn our great trials and risks into great rewards. You can be sure of it.