Deborah Malone
by Rita Prochazka and Deborah Malone Questions by Rita: Joan, can you share a little of your testimony with us? My testimony is a 65-year long story of life with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I've never known a time when God was not a part of my life. I was raised in a… Continue reading INTERVIEW WITH JOAN DEWING
Little irritants won't matter years from now. It is not lasting; it is not worth getting upset about or worrying about. We laugh a lot imagining how our circumstances would look to others watching a movie.
We live in a world that seems to applaud those who are busy. The busier, the better. It’s as if being busy equals progress and ensures success. But, of course, this is not necessarily the case.
God knows about these days. They are in His plans for us. The day may not make sense. The day will come when we are young and when we are old. The day molds, shapes, refines, and makes us more like Christ. We are imperfect beings who need our perfect God. Even amid a challenging day, there is immense peace in our obedience to His call.
I recently heard someone say, "The need is the call." If you see a need, consider how God might be asking you to help. Your insight, experience, Bible knowledge, and wisdom are invaluable. Methods change, but truth and human nature are consistent throughout time. Be flexible on "how" things get done, speak truth, and be willing to keep learning.
I have truly learned so much over the years, but you often don't realize, while you are on the journey, how much you are truly growing and what God is teaching you until you reflect back.
In this season of my life, I have learned of God's faithfulness, and I seek to bring Him honor and glory in everything we do. I have seen first-hand how God provides as we have fed far more children than the food we provided should have fed. I have seen Him not only bring HOPE to those suffering in extreme poverty, I have seen Him be HOPE.
The longer I've lived in the Lord, the more I see His faithfulness and mercy. His plans for me are good. His way is always better, no matter what others might think or say. Kaci
Most churches have many volunteer activities for those looking for something less demanding than teaching Sunday school or heading up a committee. There are volunteer positions such as greeters, meal preparation for the ill, writing cards and notes to the sick, flower arrangements and more. If it isn't possible to participate in church activities, we can apply the verse and parable in Luke 10:29, to everyone we come in contact with.
Kathi Macias is an award-winning author of more than 50 books, including the 2011 Golden Scrolls Novel of the Year, Red Ink. A popular speaker at writers' conferences and women's events, Kathi lives in Southern California with her husband, Al.
Where Hope Blooms 