God's Roadmap

Now may the Lord Jesus Christ and our Father God, who loved us and in his wonderful grace gave us eternal comfort and a beautiful hope that cannot fail, encourage your hearts and inspire you with strength to always do and speak what is good and beautiful in his eyes (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 TPT).


Friday, December 24, 2021

The Humility of Wise Men

 by Barbara Latta

The Bible tells us wise men from the east came to worship the Christ Child with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. While Herod was searching for the the young King of the Jews to murder Him, Persian men from a non-Jewish background came to bow before the young Jesus in worship.

Friday, December 17, 2021

A Heavenly Christmas Card

 

A heavenly Christmas card

by Barbara Latta

The card industry thrives on holidays and Christmas is one of the busiest for sales. From fancy to plain, glittered, glitzy, colorful, and extravagant, Christmas cards are available in any shape or form. In our technological world, some prefer to send e-cards and avoid the postage or paper usage.

Thursday, December 9, 2021

What Are You Pondering During This Advent Season?

 


Please welcome guest blogger Leigh DeLozier this week. Leigh and I met as members of East Metro Atlanta Christian Writers and we are now connected through Word Weavers. She is a talented writer and lives a life that shines as a Titus 2 woman. Leigh shares with us through her experience as an author and writer and her knowledge of Bible study. Please connect with Leigh through her website and the social media links in her bio below. 

by Leigh DeLozier @lbdelozier

The older I get, the more I’m learning to appreciate living in the moment and soaking things in instead of always having my phone or camera at the ready to snap pictures or record what’s happening. It’s taken me a long time to get to this point, but I think it’s often a good place to be.

Maybe that’s why one verse tucked into Luke’s version of what we know as the Christmas story is especially resonating with me this year:

Friday, December 3, 2021

Love - The Gift That Keeps on Giving

 

Love the gift that keeps on giving

by Barbara Latta

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16 NKJV).

John 3:16 is probably the most familiar verse in the Bible. It is printed on cards, cups, plaques, banners, hats, and shirts. This scripture shows us God’s heart and is the gift that keeps on giving.

The danger of familiarity is that the words can lose their meaning.

Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin, but one who sought the truth, had a difficult time understanding what Jesus told him. He viewed the words from a physical, human perspective. But God’s words are always spirit and truth.

What does John 3:16 really mean?

Friday, November 26, 2021

Black Friday Gift Giving Suggestions that Offer Insight and Hope


by Barbara Latta

A giveaway at the end of the post! 

It’s that time of year. Christmas music flows through the airwaves on radios and store intercoms. In some parts of the country the weather has cooled off and the crisp air feels like snow and smells like evergreen. The Hallmark Channel is bursting with mistletoe and holly and the oldies we can’t find there can be viewed through DVD.

Black Friday sales have been advertised for weeks and now it’s time to shop. 

Friday, November 19, 2021

A Sabbath Rest for Grief--Exploring Soul Care When You're Grieving with Edie Melson

A Sabbath Rest for Grief - Exploring Soul Care When You're Grieving with Edie Melson

 by Barbara Latta

I had the privilege of interviewing Edie Melson, author of Soul Care When You’re Grieving. This is the third and latest book in the Soul Care series, which consists of Soul Care When You’re Weary, and Soul Care for Writers.

There are many books about handling grief on the market today, but this one is unique in the perspective of combining simple art and creativity with caring for our emotions. The goal of the Soul Care books is to give people who are in a crisis or busy time a way to not be overwhelmed with a big Bible study. Each book contains five short chapters, devotions, and five creative connections.

Friday, November 12, 2021

A Prayer Walk

A Prayer Walk


 Guest post by Candyce Carden

I am excited to welcome Candyce Carden to guest post on this week's blog. She is a true example of a Titus 2 woman. I met Candyce through Lighthouse Bible Studies and have been blessed by her writing and contributions. I know you will enjoy her post and I pray you will be inspired to participate in a prayer walk of your own, especially as we enter this Thanksgiving season. 

Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.

(John 14:23 NIV)

 

My husband of three years and I spent most of October moving and settling into a new house. I’d been praying for months for this future home. That we’d find the perfect one to meet our needs in the right location. That we’d be in it for the holidays. The prayers had been answered.

 Before moving day, the Holy Spirit nudged me to prayer walk through the empty rooms of our house.

 What is a Prayer Walk?

Friday, November 5, 2021

Is It Godly for a Nation to go to War?


by Barbara Latta


War has existed since the first violence against the image of God in the Garden of Eden. Mankind lost that soulish encounter.


Battles have been fought since that time because of the condition of man’s heart. 

Friday, October 29, 2021

Can Curses and Spells Affect a Christian?

 

Can curses and spells affect a Christian?


by Barbara Latta

Witches and devils are much-favored Halloween costumes. Thoughts about spells and curses can be more prominent during this season. Witch doctors still exist who conduct their arts with voodoo dolls. All these dark practices are powered by fear-based words.

This brings up the question, can magic arts, spells, and curses affect a Christian? 

Thursday, October 21, 2021

The Great Pumpkin Shows Us 4 Ways to Protect Our Hearts From Deception

The Great Pumpkin shows us 4 ways to protect our hearts from deception

 by Barbara Latta

Poor Linus. Every year he sits shivering in the cold waiting for the Great Pumpkin.

At Christmas, Linus has some great wisdom. When asked what Christmas was all about, he recited the scriptures from the book of Luke. But when it came to Halloween, his grasp of the truth was misdirected.

What can this adorable cartoon character show us about ourselves? We can learn how easy it is to be deceived into believing a lie.

Thursday, October 14, 2021

Recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month

 

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The world's attention has been on domestic abuse the last few weeks with the death of Gabby Petito. As October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, guest blogger Terri Webster, shares some vital information about this stain on our society. Terri is a true Titus 2 woman and has been instrumental in helping women in need and at one time started a ministry that helped women who sought a safe refuge after abuse. Her novel, Journey to the Forgotten Coast, spotlights the trauma of domestic abuse. She recently released the sequel to this story in, Island of Refuge. Read to the end of the post to find out about a giveaway for Terri's book. 

by Terri Webster

She may stand in line behind you at the grocery store. You might pass her on the street every day or work side by side at your job. She even sits next to you every week during worship at church.

Friday, October 8, 2021

What Do the Seven I AM Sayings of Jesus Mean to Us Today? (Part Two)

 

What do the seven I am sayings of Jesus mean to us today part two


by Barbara Latta

Last week we explored the deeper meaning of IAM through Jesus. His powerful words knocked His accusers to the ground in the Garden of Gethsemane when they came to arrest Him.

We dug into the application of I AM the Bread of Life, and I AM the Living Water. Now we will discover what the other I AM sayings of Jesus mean to us today in part two.

Friday, October 1, 2021

What Do the Seven I AM Sayings of Jesus Mean to Us Today? (Part One)

 


by Barbara Latta

Who would think they needed 600 men to arrest one? Only those who were intimidated by the power of the great I AM.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, the chief priests and Pharisees came to arrest Jesus and brought a crowd with them. The King James Version uses the word band. Other versions state multitude or detachment. But the word is translated from the Latin speira (Strong’s 4686) and denotes a Roman military cohort of 600 men. This shows what a threat Jesus was to the religious establishment.

Thursday, September 23, 2021

What If You Were the Only Person on Earth?

What if you were the last person on earth?

by Barbara Latta

If you were the only person on earth, what would you do?

One day while reading the creation story in Genesis, it occurred to me that when God walked and talked with Adam and Eve in the garden every day, they were the only people on the planet. You may be thinking, “Well, duh!”

But to ponder that fact for a moment brings up the question, what did they talk about?

Friday, September 17, 2021

5 Ways Titus 2 Women Can Impact the Younger Generation

 


by Barbara Latta

 “Mimi, how old are you?”

My granddaughter asked this question as she watched the smoke rise from the burnt wicks of the five candles she had just blown out on her birthday cake. 

Her excitement to now hold up five fingers instead of four drew the subject of age to dominate the conversation. When I told her she would need all ten fingers six times, plus a few, to find my age her eyes grew wide. How could anyone live that long?

As the years creep upon us, labels attach to us such as “over the hill,” “empty nesters,” or at that “retirement age.” If we allow these words to identify us, we can think life is over and has no purpose any longer.

But we can follow the examples of some older biblical women who had an impact on the future of their society and on us as believers.

Saturday, September 11, 2021

The Tragedy of Abandoning God

The Tragedy of Abandoning God

 by Barbara Latta

This week marks the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks on America.

Each year we have commemorated this event with memorials at crash sites and the reading of names of those who were lost.

These attacks have been labeled by some as judgment from God against America. But this wasn’t God’s judgment, it was the tragedy of abandoning God.

Saturday, September 4, 2021

4 Attributes We Can Receive From Pursuing the Knowledge of Christ

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

As Paul ministered to the churches he established, he never lost sight of them even when he was not there in person. His letters indicate his love and care for these saints and his encouragement to them that they stay in the fold of Christ and follow God’s precepts.

In verse seven of Philippians chapter one, Paul thanks these people for standing with him during his imprisonment. In that day to associate with a person who was in chains was shameful. According to that society, it put those people in the same regard as the prisoner they supported. The Philippian church, at the time of this letter, was the only one who supported Paul monetarily (Philippians 4:15). For this, he was ever thankful and commended their faith.

Saturday, August 28, 2021

How to Thrive in Hope in a World of Chaos

 


by Barbara Latta

Paul dipped his quill into ink and scratched the words across parchment. Although he was a prisoner in Rome, he had been given his own rented house and the privilege of visitors. His heart rejoiced to hear about the faith of saints in other regions where churches had been started. His own son in the faith, Timothy, was the pastor of the church he was writing to in Ephesus.

Saturday, August 21, 2021

What Does Paul's Prayer for the Colossian Believers Mean to Us?

 


by Barbara Latta 

Have you ever felt like your prayers were empty? I have. When I realized all my prayers were for God to meet my needs, take care of a problem, or change a circumstance, I found out I was praying wrong.

Paul the Apostle prayed many prayers for the saints in the New Testament Church.

What does the prayer to the Colossian believers mean to us?

Saturday, August 14, 2021

Recognizing National Spirit of '45 Day

 


by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

The second Sunday in August is recognized as National Spirit of ’45 Day.

The era of the 40’s which comprised those who fought and lived during World War II has been designated as the Greatest Generation. But what brought about this illustrious title given to those who lived in a segment of time?

Saturday, August 7, 2021

Killing the Giants of Impossibility

 


by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

The earth around us is filled with depressing events.

I can find myself sometimes falling into a hole of impossibility. Just looking at the travel restrictions imposed by governments around the world started to play on my mind. How can I ever see my family again? We are spread out across the world.

I guess it’s human nature to start leaning to our own understanding without even knowing that’s what we do.

Until God brings us back to what He said. He used the story of David and Goliath to remind me that he kills the giants of impossibility. Goliaths don’t win.

Saturday, July 31, 2021

Digitally Savvy Grandparents

This week, Dr. Mel Tavares shares her insights on how we can interact with grandchildren if distance or restrictions present struggles. I met Dr. Mel through another writing group we both participate in. Please welcome her and check out her website for more great advice. 

by Dr. Mel Tavares

@barbaralatta

Digitally Savvy Grandparents

“Hey, Grandma! How do you know so much about TikTok and Instagram?” my then twelve-year-old granddaughter asked inquisitively. 

Looking intently at her facial responses, I inquired, “Does it bother you that I know the social spots you hang out in?” 

She laughed a nervous laugh and replied, “No. Why would it? I don’t even use them.” 

After several seconds of silence, I called her by her Instagram handle. She gasped. “How do you know that? I didn’t tell the family!”  

I smiled and said, “I am a digitally savvy grandma and make it my business to know because I love you and want to be able to stay connected.”

Friday, July 23, 2021

How Do We Show God's Kind of Love to Others?

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

We must first define love the way God does.

It is not the emotional, hugging, card-giving, “I want to be with you” feeling.

While we do show these actions and feelings to family members and friends, God’s kind of love goes deeper.

His kind of love is dying to self. Putting the needs of others before our own. Even people we don’t like. Or those who drive us crazy, cut in line, bless us with foul words, or just really don’t like us.

How do we die to self?

Saturday, July 17, 2021

Lessons of Peace From a Sleeping Lizard in a Pink Rose

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Have you seen the picture that has gone viral of a tiny lizard asleep inside a pink rose? The creature was in nocturnal bliss enclosed inside those velvet petals. She was so small the flower created a safe haven. Although the rose had been cut and carried into a house, Lizzie wasn’t disturbed. (I’m taking liberties and calling it a girl and naming her Lizzie).

Saturday, July 10, 2021

Christmas in July with a Giveaway


 by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Yes, it’s still six months until Christmas! But I know stores will have the decorations on the shelves along with the school supplies soon, so I am getting a little head start.

Saturday, July 3, 2021

Do You Know About the Newburg Conspiracy of the Revolutionary War?

 


by Barbara Latta

When thinking about George Washington and the Revolutionary War we think of winning battles, crossing the Delaware on Christmas Eve and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

But do you know what the Newburg Conspiracy is?

Saturday, June 26, 2021

How Do We Take Every Thought Captive?

 


by Barbara Latta

More than once in the Bible we are commanded to watch our thoughts. Why? Because our thoughts produce words which eventually evolve into actions.

Depressing thoughts lead to more depression, angry thoughts can escalate into violence, and assumptions that thrive can lead to misjudgments.

With all the negative, suspicious, vile images, and words that surround us in our lives, how can we take every thought that crosses our minds captive?

What does it mean to take thoughts captive?

Saturday, June 19, 2021

Father's Day: Moments and Memories When He is Gone

 


by Marilyn Nutter @marilynutter

@barbaralatta

Today's post is written by my friend and fellow writer, Marilyn Nutter. Her words exemplify a Titus 2 woman through encouragement and advice that will comfort you if you have lost a loved one and struggle through holiday celebrations. Please welcome her with your comments below. 

Mother’s Day, the supreme Hallmark holiday, is met with flowers, fancy dinners, and cards. Father’s Day is often celebrated in more casual ways, with Dad grilling or golfing. But either day opens a wounded heart when a husband, wife, or parent has passed. As others celebrate, our beloved guest of honor is absent.

Saturday, June 12, 2021

Honoring Our National Banner on Flag Day

 


by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Have you ever wondered where the American flag came from?

During the Revolutionary War, there was no flag representing the 13 colonies. Each regiment served under their own banner. George Washington set out to design a flag that could unify the army and the country.

Saturday, June 5, 2021

How God's Faithfulness Transforms Bitterness Into Joy

 


by Barbara Latta

We have explored how God’s faithfulness to provide for the widow of Zarephath kept her from starving during a famine. We saw how Eunice and Lois depended upon God’s faithfulness to instruct Timothy to grow into a god-fearing man.

The Faithfulness of God series continues as we see how Jehovah provided for Naomi in her old age through Ruth. God’s faithfulness transformed Naomi’s bitterness to joy.

Saturday, May 29, 2021

3 Ways We Can Teach Youth About Freedom Through Monuments and Memorials

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

After the children of Israel defeated Jericho and crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land the Lord told Joshua to take twelve stones from the riverbed and place them on the land they would occupy (Joshua 4:1-3).

What was so important about leaving a memorial?

Saturday, May 22, 2021

Five Lessons on Trust from My Little Pavarotti


This week's post is by my friend, Jeannie Waters.  She is an inspiring, award-winning writer whose words reflect a Titus 2 woman with their encouraging focus. I know you will enjoy the lessons a little friend from nature taught her. Please welcome her and share your comments below and follow her social media links.

by Jeannie Waters @jeanniewaters44

I allowed anxiety to gather grass and straw and build a tangled nest in my heart. No major problems plagued me, but tiny remnants of fear and questions about how God works in and through me swirled in my mind.

With my pen, journal, and Bible in hand, I sat on the deck and asked God to help me fight fear and learn to trust Him more. I then heard the first notes of a concert.  

The performer sang to an audience of one—me. A little sparrow belted out an aria, and as he tilted his head upward and increased his volume, I chuckled and named him Pavarotti.

Our loving Teacher used my little Pavarotti Sparrow to emphasize five important truths.

Saturday, May 15, 2021

How to Win Supernatural Victories When Outnumbered by an Enemy

 by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Do you ever feel as if you are outnumbered by life? Kids get sick, bills need to be paid, traffic is congested, fatigue plagues our bodies, and yes, people we love pass away. These are not battles we fight with military weapons, but they are battles we must face and overcome. When we feel outnumbered, we can lose heart and see no way to win.

Saturday, May 8, 2021

Promises From God's Word For a Parental Legacy

 

by Barbara Latta

The Faithfulness of God series.

As mothers we have the capacity to criticize ourselves for not being the perfect parent. Our minds can accuse us better than, satan, the enemy of our souls.

But none of us are perfect, and God knows that. We can hold on to promises from God’s Word to leave a parental legacy as the mother and grandmother of Timothy did.

Saturday, May 1, 2021

Earthly Seasons Teach Us How to Withstand the Challenges of Life


 by Barbara Latta

After a cold winter, spring has arrived in full force. New growth, beautiful blooms, and warm weather invite people to get outside and soak up some sunshine.

Last week, Ken and I stumbled upon two festivals where the landscape was decorated with a rainbow of color as acres and acres of ground was covered in tulips.

The creativity of God showed out.

Other than tropical and arctic climates, the world endures changing seasons, and each range has a purpose.

Earthly seasons can teach us how to withstand the challenges of life. We go through transitions, but they don’t always bring circumstances we like. But when we learn to lean on our Creator as the gardener of our soul, we can learn from these seasons when we follow His directions for nourishing the soil of our hearts.

 

Saturday, April 17, 2021

How to Trust God's Faithfulness Instead of Relying on Emotions

 


by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

No rain for three years.

The woman looked out the door at the cloudless sky and back at the hard, dry ground. No one could remember the last time a stalk of wheat had grown out of the soil. A spear of hopelessness stabbed her soul. She wasn’t so concerned about herself, but she didn’t want to watch her child die of starvation. Her husband perished, now so did the food.  

How could she trust God’s faithfulness? Her emotions were as dry as the ground outside.

Saturday, April 10, 2021

Who Is Our Neighbor?


by Katherine Pasour @katherinepasour

@barbaralatta

Please welcome guest blogger, Katherine Pasour. We are fellow members of Lighthouse Bible Studies and contributors to Refresh magazine. I know you will enjoy reading her insights on Jesus' story of the Good Samaritan and discovering the provision she received during a scary time. Her reflections show us how a Titus 2 woman responds and becomes an example to others.

Saturday, April 3, 2021

You Can't Kill a Peep

 


by Barbara Latta

When I was a child, Easter was a big deal full of excitement. It was almost like Christmas. We got new clothes, a basket full of candy and toys, and enjoyed Easter egg hunts.

All the girls wore patent leather shoes, dresses full of stiff petticoats, and we carried spring purses. White-gloved hands clutched new Bibles that had been part of the basket bounty.

And what about those Peeps? They appear out of nowhere every year then disappear back into hiding until the next Easter season. I think merchants just store them in the back room from year to year and bring them out again in the spring. Mold won’t grow on them, they won’t melt, and I don’t even think bugs like them. You can’t kill a Peep!

Saturday, March 27, 2021

What Can Palm Sunday Teach us Today?

 

What can Palm Sunday teach us today?
by Barbara Latta

In biblical culture, palm branches signified a victorious leader or redeemer. Palm branches were embossed on coins and used as rewards to the victors in games. By waving palms when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the people cheered because they anticipated political freedom.

One week later they had all turned on Him. He didn’t do what they expected. He stood by and let the religious leaders take Him. He didn’t fight back when the Romans arrested Him.

They were disappointed again. They said He did miracles but couldn’t save Himself.

But He didn’t come to save Himself from the cross. He came to save them and us because He went to the cross.

What can Palm Sunday teach us today?

Saturday, March 20, 2021

What Can We Learn from Isaac and Rebekah's Parental Mistakes?

 

Isaiah 44:3
by Barbara Latta
 

As women who have passed the middle point of our lives and have probably already raised our children, can we still glean value from Isaac and Rebekah’s mistakes?

Jacob and Esau took sibling rivalry to another whole level. You can read their story in Genesis 25:22-34 and Genesis 27-33.

Saturday, March 13, 2021

7 Ways to Receive Wisdom From God

 

7 Ways to Receive Wisdom From God

by Barbara Latta

Who doesn’t want wisdom? Life is full of hurdles and without spiritual guidance we can trip and fall into emotional holes. Hearing from God is essential to living a successful life.

When we are connected to the Supreme Ruler of the universe, the counsel needed to navigate circumstances is made available. But it is up to us to discover what God has given us.

Saturday, March 6, 2021

4 Lessons I Learned From a Painful Mistake

4 Lessons I Learned From a Painful Mistake

by Barbara Latta

Antiques have a way of reminding us of our past. Whether good or bad, memories surface that take us back in time, create laughter or pain, and connect us to friends and family.

I saw this old washer on display and immediately the reminder of a childhood decision popped into my mind. Memories that taught me 4 lessons I learned from a painful mistake. 

Saturday, February 27, 2021

Saturday, February 20, 2021

3 Ways to Wield the Sword of Redemption

by Barbara Latta

God's Sword strikes behind the enemy's lies.

In New Testament days, the Roman army was an institution to be feared. Everywhere they marched,
these soldiers conquered. To resist them meant certain death. They were heavily armed, trained, and disciplined. They had at their disposal an arsenal of weapons. Among these were various types of swords. 

A heavy double-edged sword, too large and heavy to use in actual fighting, was a training tool. This strengthened the soldier’s muscles so that when they wielded their swords in battle they did not become fatigued and weak.

The spatha was a long sword used in the Roman cavalry and gladiator games. A soldier could swing this instrument of death with a long reach while still on horseback. 

Saturday, February 13, 2021

4 Ways to Live in an Intimate Relationship with God

by Barbara Latta

4 ways to live in an intimate relationship with God

Love is the foundation upon which all biblical doctrines rest. It is the cement that holds all other revelations together. How can we trust our heavenly Father to save us, provide for us, or heal us if we question the depth of His affection?

We can’t walk in power without knowing the heart of the Father. Jesus came to restore fellowship between God and man. But sometimes life pours doubt on the fire of God’s Word and we may question His motives toward us. We don’t feel connected because we have allowed something to distract us from knowing we are His beloved.

Here are 4 ways we can live in an intimate relationship with God:

  1. Make scripture personal. Familiarity with passages of scripture threaten the absorption of the deeper meaning. Banners display John 3:16 in various places, but that doesn’t mean everyone who reads the sign believes the words. But if we will take the time to contemplate the intent of the verses and insert our name in the message, the scripture becomes personal. And that is what our heavenly Father desires. The Bible is His love letter to us. Individual and personal.
  2. Don’t compare the Lord’s character to human emotions. He tells us to worship in spirit and in truth, not with emotions (John 4:24). Our human minds cannot comprehend the heart of the Master of the universe. We compare His devotion for us to human feelings because our minds reason that our value is based on what we do or how good we can be. We learn this because human acceptance and rewards are based on performance. We must perform well in careers and education to be rewarded with raises, good evaluations, and excellent grades. But God’s delight in us is based on who He is, not what we do.
  3. Accept what He says by faith. Faith comes by hearing His Word (Romans 10:17). We may not feel His love at times, but that doesn’t change the truth. We should believe He is passionate toward us because He said so. We love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19 NKJV). We can’t love God first because there isn’t anything in us to love Him with until we live and dwell in the life He shows us. Under grace we accept His sacrifice. He is the One who did the work.
  4. Make Him our Priority. Instead of seeking to have our needs met, we simply need to seek the Father and the overflow of that relationship will result in taking care of everything in our lives—physical, emotional, relational, financial, and spiritual needs. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33).Jesus reprimanded Martha because she was too concerned about earthly things. Her sister Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to His words and their Teacher said, “But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42).

When we accept the mercy and grace that has been given to us, we change.


  • God’s love can keep us out of sin. If we are grounded in Him, then when temptation comes or when painful events happen, we won’t react in a sinful way or retaliate in defense. We will know God’s power supersedes all. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? (Genesis 39:9).
  • God’s love frees us from the fear of man. The fear of people’s opinions will constrain us because we try to please them instead of the Lord (Galatians 1:10). The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trust in the Lord shall be safe (Proverbs 29:25).
  • God’s love shows us how to relate to others. Until we know how much our Creator cherishes us, we can’t truly give to others in an unselfish way. Our relationship with Him will overflow to other relationships. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Romans 5:5).

The valentine of heaven wasn’t a card sent through an angelic mailbox. It was blood running down a wooden cross to soak into the cursed earth. One drop would have been enough, but he used it all to show us He goes over and beyond and does much more than we need.  He paid the highest cost, and we were given the freest gift.

Happy Valentine’s Day—from Jesus.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts.

4 ways to live in an intimate relationship with God (click to tweet)


Saturday, February 6, 2021

De-clutter the House and Cleanse the Heart

by Barbara Latta 

Dreary winter days can create a mood-altering phenomenon and now we have health restrictions added to the struggle.

Why not use a time when we are forced to stay inside, maybe because of weather, but also because of social distancing restrictions, to de-clutter the house?

Re-organizing closets can give more accessibility to clothes and accessories when getting dressed each day.

All those new Christmas toys can replace the ones that have been cast aside with a trip to donation centers.

I am bad about keeping cash register receipts too long. When they finally pile up, I then must sort through to find the ones I really need and trash the rest.

There is an emotional tie to organization and cleaning up. Research has shown that clutter can mirror the emotional stress and weights in our lives.

Saturday, January 30, 2021

How to Rest in a Stress-filled World

 by Barbara Latta


Berry College, located in northwest Georgia, has residents who are not students.

Two bald eagles built a home in a tall pine tree and return each year to raise their young. The college offers a live stream feed (viewhere) of the nest where viewers can watch the pair as they take care of their offspring. Eggs are usually laid around January-February and hatch in early spring.

Wind, rain, sleet, snow and storms do not deter the eagle from watching over the young. While the pair do share parenting responsibilities, the female sits on the nest for the longest duration.

The eggs are kept warm until they hatch and then the adults work tirelessly hunting food and bringing it back to the tree to feed the babies. The eaglets thrive under the watchful eyes and protection of the parent.

There are lots of enemies to baby birds. Yet they don’t flap their stubby wings and tell the parent they are worried about being taken care of.

All the babies do is rest and grow.

The chicks do not fret that the meal won’t come.

They do not worry about staying warm.

They are not afraid of predators because their parents are mighty warriors.

The fledglings dwell in the secret place of their parent’s wings.

The eagle chicks can teach us something about how to rest in a stress-filled world.

Saturday, January 23, 2021

Why Do We Need to Praise God Even in Bad Times?

 by Barbara Latta

Malachi 3:6 image from Daniel Reche from Pixabay

Why does God tell us to praise Him continually? Why should we praise Him in bad times, too?

When we are suffering through experiences that are painful or depressing, the last thing we usually think about is praising God. Our minds are on our own situations, hurts, and despair.

God doesn’t tell us to praise Him in every circumstance to be mean. He is giving us the answer to our dilemma.

God doesn’t tell us to thank Him for bad situations, He says to praise Him in the middle of every circumstance. We circumvent the bad emotions and worry by focusing on Him. We aren’t to be thankful for being sick or for some tragedy. Those are the works of the devil. Jesus came to give us life (John 10:10). We thank Him that He is Lord over all of it. It shows we are trusting Him. 

Why should we only want to praise our heavenly Father when everything goes our way? Here are some reasons we should praise God at all times no matter what is happening in our lives.

Saturday, January 16, 2021

3 Ways a Salty Life Adds Seasoning to an Unflavored World

 by Barbara Latta


Imagine sitting at a table in a fine restaurant. The gourmet food is carried to your table and placed in front of you. The steam wafts to your nose and the smell makes your mouth water. You reach for the salt shaker and turn the container to add the grains on your food. Nothing comes out.

You shake again. Still nothing. Then if you are like me, you take the top off and look inside to see what the problem is. The salt is in the shaker, but it is one big wad. Moisture has contaminated it and now it is no good.

This is what Jesus meant when he said, You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men (Matthew 5:13).

If we lose our taste for God, we have no witness. We become like unflavored salt.

Why did Jesus compare believers to salt? We can find out by discovering some properties of this mineral. Here are 3 ways a salty life adds seasoning to an unflavored world:

Monday, January 11, 2021

3 Ways to be Ready for the End Times

 by Barbara Latta

Do we even need to guess that we are living in the end times the Bible tells us about?

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:1-4).

These verses portray the headlines in our news media today. Never before have we seen the violence and attitudes displayed by people in the world as we have recently.

And to try to warn people about the second coming of Christ, some will just blow it off and say that they have heard that all their lives. While scoffers will always exist, the truth unfolds in the scriptures.

Saturday, January 2, 2021

Don't let last year's disappointments derail 2021

 by Barbara Latta

Staggering setbacks and panic encapsulated 2020. Nothing like the chaos of the past twelve months has been experienced by most of us.

If we aren’t careful, we can carry anxiety from those experiences into our future.

To thrive, we don’t want to let last year’s disappointments derail 2021.

The key to avoiding this is to check our focus. In her book, Write His Answer, Marlene Bagnull issued a challenge. Get your eyes off yourself and onto someone else. In this case it was other writers who might need encouragement or help, but this idea can transfer to anyone in our lives.

She suggested choosing one of the four gospels to read and to list all the events that could have caused Jesus disappointment.

I chose the book of John and this is a shortened list of what I discovered: