by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta
An election year is always a prime soup of opinions. Everybody
has one. Political arguments, polls, speeches, and spin can stir the pot with a
lot of spice, some more fiery than others.
Heated conversation can be found in a host of places from
restaurants, stores, and sadly even church.
Even when we think we are not affected a mood change can be a key we are letting coals of anger or depression grow in our emotions.
by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta
An assassination attempt on our former president, Donald
Trump, ended up in victory for him and our country. Although he was hurt his
life was spared.
I believe this was divine intervention of protection on him.
We may ask, “How and why did this happen?”
by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta
Are you an empty nester? Has your life changed since adult children have flown the coop?
You may be rejoicing that this time gives you more freedom
and space. Or you may lament the silence in the house that no longer rings with
video game sound effects or the never ending question, “What do we have to
eat?”
Edie Melson’s newest book in her soul care series, Soul Care When the Nest is Empty, confronts the emotions and circumstances that
can afflict us when we no longer have our kids at home. You can find a cure for
the empty nest syndrome. (click to share on X)
Even if your heart doesn’t have that desolate feeling, this
book can bring to light some emotions you may not have recognized. Edie
combines devotions and prayers with simple creative exercises that are fun and
relatable.
You don’t need to be an artist or professional photographer
to complete these. Doodles, drawing, pictures, stickers, and coloring
stimulates different parts of our brains. We can find healing, rest, and
relaxation we didn’t realize we needed when we take the time to stop and let go
of burdens.
Soul Care When the Nest is Empty is the fourth book
in the soul care series. Others include Soul Care When You are Weary, Soul
Care for Writers, and Soul Care When You are Grieving.
I recommend all these books. They are short, easy to read,
but inspirational and thought-provoking.
You can find more about Edie at her website, www.ediemelson.com.
Join the conversation and share your thoughts about living
in an empty nest.
Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay
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by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta
Some theologians have declared that American resistance to
British rule was unscriptural and that the founding fathers acted in
disobedience to the Bible by fighting. However, by doing so they are using
selective reasoning and taking Scripture out of context to support their views.
Over the centuries, the British monarchy became a
self-appointed god. James I introduced the Divine Right of Kings which states
that kings stand in the place of God, representing Him to the people. Complete Submission and Non-Resistance to
Authority states that kings have an allegedly divine position and are not to be
resisted ever for any reason. This principle was carried out to the point of
torture and murder of those who stood for biblical rights according to Scripture.
The Bible teaches us in many places to obey civil laws
except when those laws resist God’s Word. When the Israelites were under the
rule of heathen nations, God raised up judges and prophets such as Gideon,
Samson, and Deborah to fight against lawlessness and free his people so they
could worship Him again.
Peter and John were arrested for breaking the religious laws.
But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We
ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29 NKJV)
Paul was imprisoned numerous times for preaching the gospel
despite the religious laws. God’s laws supersedes those of mankind.
Our forefathers followed these biblical examples to stand
against an abuse of power by a man who ruled as a god. Because of these brave
men (and women too), we now have the right to worship God. (Although some laws
passed in the last few years seek to inhibit that ability).
Soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coast guard personnel fight battles all over the
world while we rest safely in our homes.
Jesus suffered in ways we can’t comprehend to release us
from the debt of sin.
Freedom is not free for those who pay the price to release
others from bondage. But it is free for those who enjoy the benefits.
Our military paid the price for our political freedom. Jesus
paid the price for our spiritual freedom.
Christ gave us the right to use His authority and live in
His identity because He wiped away the debt of sin for us.
America is a free nation today because of the men who opposed
a king who ruled in the place of God. They stood on biblical principles and
founded our country with godly wisdom.
Happy Independence Day! God bless America and may she
continue to be a beacon of freedom and hope to the world.
Join the conversation and share your thoughts.
