SPIRITUAL SPARKLE
Are You Friends with the World?
A quick scroll through social media and it’s easy to see so many who are seeking friendship with the world. Photos plastered of the nightlife scene, self-indulgent luxury vacations, videos posted of arms and voices raised in worship of favorite …
Biblical Literacy Through a Renewed Mind
Have you ever tried learning a new language? I took a few years of Spanish in high school but because I never practiced speaking it much after graduating, I have forgotten most of it. Friends of mine who speak Spanish …
The Creator of the Universe is Mindful of You
Have you ever been far away from the bright lights of the city where you could spread out a blanket, lie on your back, and look up at the infinite number of twinkling stars above you? Living in the big city …
Examine the Scriptures Like a Berean
During the 1970s, our family attended a wonderful, God-honoring church called Berean Bible in Spokane, Washington. We worshipped the Lord together on Sunday mornings and I was also there on Wednesday nights for their AWANA (Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed) …
Zeal that Bubbles Over
Have you ever met someone who is extremely passionate about what they do? I remember a few teachers during my elementary and jr. high school days who poured themselves into their students, going the extra mile to make the class …
A Biblical View of Breathwork
For years, I have attended fitness conferences to stay updated on all the latest research and trends in my industry. More and more, I am noticing the influence of Eastern practices in the classes and certifications offered. From every form …
Solid Food for Spiritual Discernment
It was a beautiful spring day for a walk at the Arboretum, my happy place, surrounded by God’s amazing creativity in both color and detail with the endless varieties of flowers and plants. I love learning about nature and enjoy …
A Heart that is Fully Committed
My client walked into the fitness center, ready to begin her workout. I led her over to the treadmill to get her muscles warmed up. We stretched on a supersized mat and then headed toward the weight machines. Not long …
Spiritual Dangers of Reducing Stress through Eastern Methods
Have you ever been under a lot of pressure, experienced a major change in your life, were worried about something out of your control, or felt overwhelmed with responsibilities? If so, you know what it’s like to experience stress. For …
Boast in the Lord
I was sitting in on a personal trainers’ meeting, listening to a slick, fast-talking salesman tell us the best ways to increase sales for ourselves and for the gym where we worked. All I remember from that meeting was how …
Our Citizenship is in Heaven
It was a warm, sunny day with beautiful blue skies. I couldn’t think of a better place to be than outdoors in nature at our nearby Arboretum and Botanical Garden. A quick look around and it was easy to see …
Train for Godliness
She was there every morning sitting in her comfy living room chair with a cup of piping hot coffee and her well-worn Bible open in her lap. Oh, how my mother loved her quiet time with the Lord! I was …
The Rare Treasure of a True Friend
“Mom! You won’t believe what happened today!” I couldn’t wait to tell her all about it and would never dream of leaving out a single detail! One of the greatest treasures my mother ever gave to me was her friendship. …
The Connection of Contentment through Knowing God
I had just finished checking out at the grocery store when I noticed a young woman pushing her cart out the door just in front of me. She was wearing a long, pretty green dress with a floral print. Her …
Made to Be Dependent
A British diver was 330 feet underwater during oil-rig maintenance in the North Sea when something went terribly wrong. Chris Lemons was attached to a support ship by a cord used for oxygen and power for his headlamp when suddenly, …