My blog

Category: Life

  • Paper or Digital?

    In today’s fast-paced world, anything that helps streamline daily tasks is a win. A few years ago, my husband bought me an iPhone. At first, I only used it to call my kids, unaware of its potential as a time-saving tool. Over time, I discovered that my phone could replace my endless paper lists, making every day errands—like grocery shopping—much easier.

    One day, I came across a meme about creating a master grocery list. Sure, you can buy pre-made lists, but they aren’t tailored to your needs. Plus, who wants to deal with paper when your phone can do the job better?

    Using Your Phone as a Grocery List

    Your phone’s reminder app functions as a built-in list organizer. I use mine for:

    • Medications & Supplements: A quick reference at doctor visits.
    • Household Tasks: A shared list with my husband, so he knows what needs to be done.
    • Groceries: The focus of this post—and a major time-saver!

    Creating Your Master Grocery List

    of writing a new list every time, I built a master list of all the groceries we regularly buy. Here’s how:

    1. Start with Your Staples: Look in your pantry and fridge. List items you purchase often.
    2. Use the Hide Feature: When shopping, simply uncheck the items you need—no paper, no pen, no mess.
    3. Sort by Aisle:
      • My first attempt was alphabetical, but that meant jumping between sections at the store.
      • I switched to numbering items by aisle (e.g., 00.01 Salad for the produce section), keeping them in order for quick shopping.

    Bonus Tip: Grocery Pick-Up for Even More Time Savings

    When my husband and I got sick and couldn’t go inside stores, I discovered online grocery ordering. Many stores offer it for free, and you can:
    ✔ Save frequent purchases for quick reorders.
    ✔ Prevent unwanted substitutions.
    ✔ Pick up groceries without stepping inside.

    For the Paper Lovers…

    If you prefer a physical list, here’s an easy method:

    1. Save a month’s worth of old grocery receipts.
    2. Type them into a master list.
    3. Take that list to the store and organize it by aisle.
    4. Print it out and keep it by your fridge for easy check-offs.

    Do these grocery list tips make sense to you? Or do you have an even better method? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear!

  • Prague Adventure: Part 3

    Prague is a city where history whispers from every cobblestone, where the past and present intertwine in unexpected ways. On our self-guided (and somewhat ambitious) walking tour, we uncovered stories of wonder, tragedy, and irony in three unforgettable places: the Astronomical Clock, the Jewish Quarter, and the Museum of Communism.

    The Astronomical Clock: A Timepiece with a Dark Past

    Nestled in Prague’s Old Town, the Astronomical Clock is an engineering marvel and a storyteller of its own. Just two blocks from our hotel, it was astounding to realize how far we had walked in our eager exploration.

    Built in 1410 by clockmaker Mikuláš of Kadaň and astronomer Jan Šindel, the clock is renowned not only for its intricate design but also for the gruesome legend that accompanies it. As the story goes, the Prague council feared that the master clockmaker might replicate his masterpiece elsewhere. To ensure exclusivity, they gouged out his eyes, rendering him unable to create another. In his final act of defiance, he supposedly sabotaged his own work, stopping the clock for nearly a century.

    At the foot of the clock, 27 crosses mark the site where noblemen were executed after the Battle of White Mountain in 1621. It’s said to bring bad luck to step on them. We made sure not to—out of respect more than superstition.

    The Jewish Quarter: A Haunting Legacy

    No part of Prague stirred deeper emotion than the Jewish Quarter. Established in the 13th century as a ghetto, it confined Jewish residents for over 500 years before they were granted the right to live elsewhere. Walking its streets, we couldn’t escape the somber weight of history, especially knowing what lay ahead for Jewish families during World War II.

    Time was against us, and we could only glimpse a fraction of its history. The Jewish Cemetery alone left a lasting impression—12,000 gravestones crammed into less than 2.5 acres, with the remains of over 100,000 souls layered up to 12 deep. It was a sight both haunting and humbling.

    Next to the cemetery, we visited a museum displaying artwork by children from the Holocaust. Their drawings, frozen in time, carried the sorrow and fear of a generation lost. The weight of it stayed with us long after we left.

    The Museum of Communism: Irony at Its Finest

    Reaching the Museum of Communism required walking through an unexpected gateway—McDonald’s. The irony wasn’t lost on us.

    Inside, stark rooms displayed remnants of a regime that sought to suppress individualism—old typewriters, rigid wooden chairs, and artifacts of a controlled society. The contrast between the oppressive past and the bustling capitalist reality just outside its doors was striking.

    Reflections on Prague’s Past and Present

    Prague is a city of contradictions: beauty and brutality, triumph and tragedy, freedom and control. It’s a place where the past is never far from the present, reminding us to honor history’s lessons.

    Have you ever been to Prague? What part of its history left the biggest impression on you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

  • Prague Adventure: Part 3

    Prague is a city where history whispers from every cobblestone, where the past and present intertwine in unexpected ways. On our self-guided (and somewhat ambitious) walking tour, we uncovered stories of wonder, tragedy, and irony in three unforgettable places: the Astronomical Clock, the Jewish Quarter, and the Museum of Communism.

    The Astronomical Clock: A Timepiece with a Dark Past

    Nestled in Prague’s Old Town, the Astronomical Clock is an engineering marvel and a storyteller of its own. Just two blocks from our hotel, it was astounding to realize how far we had walked in our eager exploration.

    Built in 1410 by clockmaker Mikuláš of Kadaň and astronomer Jan Šindel, the clock is renowned not only for its intricate design but also for the gruesome legend that accompanies it. As the story goes, the Prague council feared that the master clockmaker might replicate his masterpiece elsewhere. To ensure exclusivity, they gouged out his eyes, rendering him unable to create another. In his final act of defiance, he supposedly sabotaged his own work, stopping the clock for nearly a century.

    At the foot of the clock, 27 crosses mark the site where noblemen were executed after the Battle of White Mountain in 1621. It’s said to bring bad luck to step on them. We made sure not to—out of respect more than superstition.

    The Jewish Quarter: A Haunting Legacy

    No part of Prague stirred deeper emotion than the Jewish Quarter. Established in the 13th century as a ghetto, it confined Jewish residents for over 500 years before they were granted the right to live elsewhere. Walking its streets, we couldn’t escape the somber weight of history, especially knowing what lay ahead for Jewish families during World War II.

    Time was against us, and we could only glimpse a fraction of its history. The Jewish Cemetery alone left a lasting impression—12,000 gravestones crammed into less than 2.5 acres, with the remains of over 100,000 souls layered up to 12 deep. It was a sight both haunting and humbling.

    Next to the cemetery, we visited a museum displaying artwork by children from the Holocaust. Their drawings, frozen in time, carried the sorrow and fear of a generation lost. The weight of it stayed with us long after we left.

    The Museum of Communism: Irony at Its Finest

    Reaching the Museum of Communism required walking through an unexpected gateway—McDonald’s. The irony wasn’t lost on us.

    Inside, stark rooms displayed remnants of a regime that sought to suppress individualism—old typewriters, rigid wooden chairs, and artifacts of a controlled society. The contrast between the oppressive past and the bustling capitalist reality just outside its doors was striking.

    Reflections on Prague’s Past and Present

    Prague is a city of contradictions: beauty and brutality, triumph and tragedy, freedom and control. It’s a place where the past is never far from the present, reminding us to honor history’s lessons.

    Have you ever been to Prague? What part of its history left the biggest impression on you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

  • Why do Romance novels never go out of style?

    The Romance genre never goes out of style, and honestly, I’m not surprised. But what truly caught me off guard recently was a conversation with a woman in the armed services.

    She shared how male soldiers on her deployment often asked to borrow her romance novels after she finished them. Surprised? I was too!

    When another woman asked if the men ever shared their thoughts, she revealed they not only discussed the books but often teased each other about reading them. I couldn’t help but laugh—it reminded me of how, when I first started writing romance, I kept it a secret. These days? No way!

    What struck me most was how these soldiers talked about the characters as though they were real. That small glimpse into their lives made my day, and I made sure to thank her for her service and sacrifices.

    Romance Readers: By the Numbers

    Recent statistics from the Romance Writers of America (RWA) provide fascinating insights into the readers who fuel this ever-growing genre. Did you know:

    • Women dominate: 82% of readers are female, while men make up 18%.
    • Younger audiences are growing: 44% of readers are between 18 and 44.
    • Diversity: Ethnic groups reading romance include Caucasians, African Americans, Latinos/Hispanics, and Asian/Asian Americans, in that order.
    • Highly educated, committed readers: 45% have college degrees, and 59% are married or living with a partner.
    • Geographic hotspots: The Southern and Midwestern U.S. are home to the highest concentrations of romance readers.
    • Voracious reading habits: 48% read at least one romance novel weekly, while 78% read more than one a month. Personally? I devour two or three a week!

    Why Romance?

    Romance novels are so much more than escapism. Here’s what they bring to readers:

    • Hope and comfort in uncertain times
    • Relatability through familiar emotions and challenges
    • Empowerment to take charge of one’s own story
    • Exploration of cultural and social norms
    • Connection and empathy through characters’ experiences
    • Stress relief and pure entertainment

    Romance resonates universally because it taps into our deepest desires for love, connection, and emotional well-being—all while offering a meaningful and enjoyable experience.

    Why Do You Read Romance?

    Are you a hopeless romantic, a thrill-seeker, or someone who just loves a happy ending? Do you fit the statistics, or are you breaking the mold? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your story!

     

  • Life Lessons Inspired by Biblical Truths

    Do you struggle with a plan for your life? Do you have any guidelines?

    Recently, I came across a meme. The title was Six Important Guidelines for Life. It had an image of old man with a white beard pointing his finger to heaven. (He could have easily looked like Moses.) Under the photo the creator of the meme listed the six guidelines.

    It might have been a Christian thing since the list mentions God, but it was just something I probably snipped from one of my social media accounts because I thought the list was particularly insightful.

    As I began to read the list and think about it, it occurred to me that each of those six guidelines could have come straight from the Bible! The list can serve as a practical guide to emotional, spiritual and relational health, aligning closely with biblical principles and the pursuit of Christlike character.

    Let’s take a deeper look at the list, align it with biblical principles and examine the practical applications.

    When you are alone, mind your thoughts.

    Cultivating mental discipline and guarding against destructive thought patterns can be challenging but are totally doable. Practicing mindfulness and eliminating negative self-talk (don’t even think words that are negative, much less give voice to them).

    When a person focuses more on that which is true, noble and praiseworthy, it can help transform the mind, but it won’t be easy.  Nothing worth doing or being comes easy.

    Scripture verses that speak to this guideline: Philippians 4:8; Romans 12:2; Psalm 1:2.

    When you are with friends, mind your thoughts

    This guideline emphasizes personal relationships, specifically friendships. It’s important communicate to your friends in a way that honors God. Sarcasm, gossip or criticism of any kind could damage a good friendship. Practice active listening and speak with intention to foster deeper… and healthier connections. Be mindful of how thoughts shape character and actions.   Speak with kindness, truth, and wisdom, making certain they are edifying rather than harmful. Gossip, harsh words, or careless remarks can cause division or pain, even unintentionally.

    Scripture verses that speak to this guideline: James 1:19, Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 18:21

    When you are angry, mind your temper

    Anger is a natural emotion, but can lead to sin. Breathing deep and taking the time to respond with self-control is crucial.

    Managing those moments anger is like exercising a muscle that has never been exercised. It might hurt or may cause relational conflict until the process is ingrained.  Anger, through rash words or actions flowing out without thought can be sinful.

    Identify anger triggers and address the underlying issues. It could be unmet needs or unresolved hurt or something else.  Whatever the case, techniques like deep breathing or journaling may help, but it’s pausing to pray and seek God’s perspective that will prevent destructive and perhaps catastrophic outcomes.

    Scripture verses that speak to this guideline: Ephesians 4:26-27, Galatians 5:22-23, Proverbs 14:29

    When you are with a group, mind your behavior

    Actions in a group setting are a testimony of faith.

    Walk in humility, respect, and love, and put the needs of others first. It speaks to accountability and the impact of social influence of those around us.

    Examine how group dynamics affect your actions so that you can maintain integrity and authenticity. Set boundaries for yourself while during a group event and practice humility which will enhance a positive group environment.

    Scripture verses that speak to this guideline: Philippians 2:3-4, Galatians 5:13, Matthew 5:16

    When you are in trouble, mind your emotions

    Oftentimes, trouble often brings emotional upheaval which then leads to fear, worry, or despair. It can immobilize us. Acknowledge the emotion, but don’t let the emotion control you.

    It is necessary develop emotional resilience by trusting in God. Bring your burdens to Him in prayer and you can rest in His promises.

    It seems so simple, because it is simple. A peace comes from leaving your worries and burdens with Him.

    Scripture verses that speak to this guideline: Philippians 4:6, Isaiah 26:3, Matthew 11:28-30

    When God starts blessing you, mind your ego.

    Pride and self-sufficiency can pop up when blessings increase. It can sometimes lead to pride if we lose sight of who we are in the grander scheme of things.

    Acknowledging God as the source of all blessings is something that must be done to keep a person humble. Focusing the stewardship of the blessings one has and how to use God-given gifts to serve others will reinforce humility and ultimately more dependence on Him. Staying humble ensures that we glorify Him.

    Giving thanks for the blessings is crucial to continue to foster a state of humility.

    There are apps for your phone or your computer that are helpful in ensuring you foster gratitude.  Here they are:

    Glorify  (It offers daily devotionals, guided prayers, and a gratitude journal to help strengthen your relationship with God.)

    Abide (A Christian meditation app that includes guided gratitude meditations, prayers, and scripture-based content.)

    Pray.com  (Offers prayer plans, Bible stories, and gratitude journaling features to help you focus on the blessings God provides).

    Scripture verses that speak to this guideline: Peter 5:6, James 1:17, Proverbs 3:34, Luke 12:48

    I’d say the list totally aligns with Biblical principles as it encourages balance across thoughts emotions, behaviors and relationships. The practical applications encourages us to foster spiritual maturity by applying biblical wisdom in our daily life. If there are struggles, we can develop actionable steps to improve ourselves.  based on the list that will get us closer to the goal of realizing the guidelines in our lives. Ultimately, having a framework such as these guidelines will help us live out our faith with boldness.

    Do you struggle with any of the guidelines listed?  Comment below.

     

  • Prague Adventure-Part 2:

    Being in a city that my daughter said was her favorite in all of Europe encouraged us to visit, so you can imagine how every sight, every person, every building inspired our interest. Prague, if you get the chance, is a must see city!

    We decided to take a six hour tour of Prague. Part of it was a walking tour, part of it was by tram and part of it was on a boat with lunch included. Because we knew we would be walking a lot, we decided to park our car where we started the tour In Wencelaus Square. We were fortunate that it was a terrific day. Sunny but not too warm!

    Imagine our surprise when a colorful brigade of vintage American cars in pristine condition paraded into the square. Apparently, they were used to take visitors on tours of the city. That’s what we should have done.

    But, finding where the tour started and how to buy the tickets was a challenge. The pamphlet said to look for the person with the yellow umbrella in Wencelas Square. Pretty vague if you ask me. Especially since there were quite a few of those yellow umbrellas poking up above the different crowds of people.

    The tour was an overview of the city and would serve us well so that we could decide where we wanted to spend our second day in a little more depth. We looked and found a lady with a yellow umbrella, and she directed us to a place across the boulevard to buy the tickets. We had time since the tour didn’t start until 10:30 and it was only a little after 10. After buying our tickets we walked back across the street to the center of the boulevard. While waiting, we talked with a mother and daughter who were visiting Prague.

    Our tour guide, Nina, was fantastic. She not only spoke excellent English, she had a terrific sense of humor and was very knowledgeable about her city.  She told us the story of  King Wencelas who is the Patron Saint of the Czech people.  We know King Wencelas from our beloved Christmas Carol, Good King Wencelas.

    What was interesting was that the Czech people had never heard of one of our beloved Christmas Carols!  The words were written by John Mason Neale and published in 1853. The music originated in Finland 300 years earlier. The Christmas carol is unusual as there is no reference in the lyrics to the nativity.

    King Wenceslas was the king of Bohemia in the 10th century. He was a devout Catholic and was assassinated by his brother Boleslaw and his supporters. Wenceslas was raised as a Christian by his paternal grandmother while Boleslaw was raised as a pagan by his mother. Wencelas’ Saint’s Day is September 28th. St. Stephen’s feast day was celebrated on the 26th of December which is probably why the song is sung as a Christmas carol.

    The day went from bad to worse because we assumed (wrongly, of course) that we’d spend one third of the time on each activity listed in the pamphlet.  The boat ride lasted about a half hour, and lunch an hour (which was fun). The tram lasted about twenty minutes. The rest of the time we were on foot. By the time we got to the castle we could barely walk. We were not prepared to walk as much as we did.

    So, if you travel to any European city, wear the most comfortable walking shoes you have so as not to aggravate your feet on those marathon tours.  Opt for the hop-on, hop-off bus tours if the city has them. We used them in many European cities and would use them again because we found it easier to get around. Unfortunately, at the time we lived in Germany, Prague did not have them… but they do now.

    In the end, we had to take a tram back to the starting point because, unknown to us, the tour ended at the castle. We had to find our way back on our own which was a shock, and another lesson learned.

    Thankfully, there was a person on the tram who spoke Italian and directed us to which trams we had to take to get back to our car in Wenceslas Square.

    By the time we got back to our hotel, our feet had taken a beating. Not even Advil helped. All in all, while our feet hurt, we were grateful to have visited Prague.

    And we learned a valuable lesson: don’t take a walking tour or any kind of tour without asking specific questions!

    Would we go back again? In a heartbeat… only the next time we’ll use different transportation and ask more questions.

    Have you ever a travel mishap while on vacation? Share your experience below.

  • Prague Adventure-Part 2:

    Being in a city that my daughter said was her favorite in all of Europe encouraged us to visit, so you can imagine how every sight, every person, every building inspired our interest. Prague, if you get the chance, is a must see city!

    We decided to take a six hour tour of Prague. Part of it was a walking tour, part of it was by tram and part of it was on a boat with lunch included. Because we knew we would be walking a lot, we decided to park our car where we started the tour In Wencelaus Square. We were fortunate that it was a terrific day. Sunny but not too warm!

    Imagine our surprise when a colorful brigade of vintage American cars in pristine condition paraded into the square. Apparently, they were used to take visitors on tours of the city. That’s what we should have done.

    But, finding where the tour started and how to buy the tickets was a challenge. The pamphlet said to look for the person with the yellow umbrella in Wencelas Square. Pretty vague if you ask me. Especially since there were quite a few of those yellow umbrellas poking up above the different crowds of people.

    The tour was an overview of the city and would serve us well so that we could decide where we wanted to spend our second day in a little more depth. We looked and found a lady with a yellow umbrella, and she directed us to a place across the boulevard to buy the tickets. We had time since the tour didn’t start until 10:30 and it was only a little after 10. After buying our tickets we walked back across the street to the center of the boulevard. While waiting, we talked with a mother and daughter who were visiting Prague.

    Our tour guide, Nina, was fantastic. She not only spoke excellent English, she had a terrific sense of humor and was very knowledgeable about her city.  She told us the story of  King Wencelas who is the Patron Saint of the Czech people.  We know King Wencelas from our beloved Christmas Carol, Good King Wencelas.

    What was interesting was that the Czech people had never heard of one of our beloved Christmas Carols!  The words were written by John Mason Neale and published in 1853. The music originated in Finland 300 years earlier. The Christmas carol is unusual as there is no reference in the lyrics to the nativity.

    King Wenceslas was the king of Bohemia in the 10th century. He was a devout Catholic and was assassinated by his brother Boleslaw and his supporters. Wenceslas was raised as a Christian by his paternal grandmother while Boleslaw was raised as a pagan by his mother. Wencelas’ Saint’s Day is September 28th. St. Stephen’s feast day was celebrated on the 26th of December which is probably why the song is sung as a Christmas carol.

    The day went from bad to worse because we assumed (wrongly, of course) that we’d spend one third of the time on each activity listed in the pamphlet.  The boat ride lasted about a half hour, and lunch an hour (which was fun). The tram lasted about twenty minutes. The rest of the time we were on foot. By the time we got to the castle we could barely walk. We were not prepared to walk as much as we did.

    So, if you travel to any European city, wear the most comfortable walking shoes you have so as not to aggravate your feet on those marathon tours.  Opt for the hop-on, hop-off bus tours if the city has them. We used them in many European cities and would use them again because we found it easier to get around. Unfortunately, at the time we lived in Germany, Prague did not have them… but they do now.

    In the end, we had to take a tram back to the starting point because, unknown to us, the tour ended at the castle. We had to find our way back on our own which was a shock, and another lesson learned.

    Thankfully, there was a person on the tram who spoke Italian and directed us to which trams we had to take to get back to our car in Wenceslas Square.

    By the time we got back to our hotel, our feet had taken a beating. Not even Advil helped. All in all, while our feet hurt, we were grateful to have visited Prague.

    And we learned a valuable lesson: don’t take a walking tour or any kind of tour without asking specific questions!

    Would we go back again? In a heartbeat… only the next time we’ll use different transportation and ask more questions.

    Have you ever a travel mishap while on vacation? Share your experience below.

  • Blueprint for a Blessed Life:

    The psalms are beautiful and were the original worship songs for the Israelites. Many of them were written by David throughout his life. Today, we’ll will focus on the first verse of the first psalm.

    Blessed is the man
    Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
    Nor stands in the path of sinners,
    Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;     Psalm 1:1 NKJV

    We’ll take a look at the above scripture verse and break it down. But to sum it up, it’s what a righteous man does not do. I find this scripture verse to be comforting. My prayer is that as we break it down, it will be a blessing and comfort to you as well.

    Blessed is the man

    The word blessed is from the Hebrew word esher and conveys the idea of happiness or contentment. Esher comes from the root word is ashar which means “to be straight” or “to be right”. It refers to a man or woman who is “right” or “straight” with God. Basically, a happy man or woman.

    In Hebrew, the word is plural, meaning the person has multiple blessings or intensified blessings.

    It is not just for those who have incredible accolades (like kings, or scholars or the wealthy).  But also for the common man. Charles Spurgeon commented: “This blessedness is as attainable by the poor, the forgotten, and the obscure, as by those whose names figure in history, and have immense fame.”

    Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,

    The blessed man does not do certain things. He won’t walk or stand on a certain path, nor will he sit in a place where he shouldn’t be. The blessed man thinks and behaves differently than an ungodly man. They fall into different groups of people.

    It also gives a clear insight to the progression of sin. It is insidious. One act leads to another. So, the man who acts on bad counsel, may begin to do evil deeds and it progresses until his life is in a total shambles.

    When the ungodly have counsel, the righteous man will not take it. Today, we are bombarded with advice from every place you can think of from YouTube, Twitter (now X), Instagram… you name it. The righteous man knows how to discern the counsel of the ungodly.

    It’s sad to know how many fail here. Many don’t even consider if the counsel is godly or ungodly.  They hear the advice and don’t consider if it’s godly or not. They simply jump on the bandwagon.

    Sadly, man’s own conscience, his own mind, his own heart, can give him ungodly counsel. The key here is to be and stay in the Word of God. God’s word is always the best counselor, with the Holy Spirit as your teacher.  Godly counselors will always bring the truth of God’s word to help someone who wants counseling. Check out Psalm 119:24.

     Nor stands in the path of sinners,

    A righteous man knows that the sinner’s path is wrong for him. Path speaks of a way, a road, or a direction. The righteous man will not travel in the same direction as a sinner.

    Nor is a righteous man afraid to take a less-traveled road because he knows it will lead to happiness, blessings, and eternal life.

    Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.  Mattew 7:13

    And a righteous man is confident in his path. And God has a path for each man that will lead to enormous blessings. (And it’s not always monetary.)

    You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

     Nor sits in the seat of the scornful

    What is a scornful person? They love to sit and criticize the people and things of God. You see it all over the internet but the righteous man won’t stand for it.

    When others put down Christians, it’s easy to sit among them and join the fray of criticism. Christians have a lot of things that people can take stabs at. But it is wrong for Christians to do that because then they become the scornful.

    Instead, Christians should always stand up and show others he or she is a follower of Christ.

    In conclusion, a blessed person listens to advice from godly counselors but should always line up that advice with what the Bible says. (In most cases, they will refer the righteous person to scripture passages that back up the advice. And not just one, but many.) The righteous person will stand tall and make a claim of being a child of God and a Christian.

    What are you thoughts of about this passage?  Give comments below.

     

  • The PRAY Method:

    Recently, on a Sunday morning at church a young lady I’d seen at various services but had never met,  greeted me at the door. She commented on how I pray in our Wednesday and Sunday evening prayer time.  Her words startled me. I had expected, “I love how you belt out your prayers.”

    The reason I was surprised was because it took me many years to have enough confidence to pray out loud within a group setting, even if it was just a few people.  These days, it could be anywhere from ten to thirty people and sometimes more in those group settings.

    I was raised in a household where the same prayers were said over and over and over again.

    As I look back, I can see how God was moving me little by little in a direction He wanted me to go (I rebelled on many occasions, and I suffered the consequences of that rebellion just like any other child of God).

    It all started when I was taking classes as an eight year old to make my first communion, I remember asking the Sister (the nun who was teaching our class), what prayers do I say when I come back from communion. Somehow, her response didn’t seem out of the ordinary… not then and certainly not now.

    What was her response?

    “Talk to Jesus as if He were standing right in front of you.”

    I took her suggestion and “talked” to Jesus after communion from that first time until now. But that wasn’t standard practice in the Catholic faith. While I continued to go to the Catholic church, it was just a routine. There was no relationship there other than when I had communion. And even then, I wondered if Jesus heard me talking to Him. (Today, I know He did… because He stood beside me throughout all my trials… I just didn’t see it then.)

    Years went by, and I suffered through a traumatic divorce. It was an exceptionally low time in my life. I didn’t have an education (other than high school), and couldn’t find a job, plus I had two grade-school aged children.  How would I manage?

    My brother’s wife suggested I meet with some ladies and they would pray for me. I figured it couldn’t hurt and it might help.

    When I went there, these lovely women prayed for me. At the end of our time, one of them asked a very insightful question: “Do you know where you are going when you die?”

    At that moment I really wasn’t sure if I was going to heaven or hell, but I desperately wanted to go to heaven. I prayed the sinner’s prayer that night and was encouraged to attend church with them. One of the women waited for me outside the church (at the time we were meeting in a high school auditorium).

    I’d never been to a service quite like that one and I became hungry to know more. I tell you all of this just to get to the part where I learned to pray.

    I wanted to be effective in my praying. My first pastor told us the Lord’s prayer is a model for how to pray. I didn’t know that. We were never taught from the Bible other than the small set of verses said in mass every week.

    Matthew 6:7-8 tells us not to use vain repetition, because He already knows what we have need of.

    But I was struck by the first part of Matthew 6:9, where the Jesus tells His disciples, “In this manner, therefore pray:”  It doesn’t say to pray that prayer, although you can… on occasion. Just don’t be rote about it.

    Our pastor gave a message on prayer that has stayed with me ever since. Oh, I’ve heard other acronyms over the years to help with prayer… but the acronym PRAY seemed the easiest for me to remember.

    P=Praise

    Praise God for who He is and what He has done for you.  If you have trouble finding words to praise Him… turn to the Psalms to help you.  (Even if you have to read them to start your prayer time… it’s a good thing!) Mix and match as the spirit leads!

    • Psalm 8 and Psalm 19 speak of God’s Majesty
    • Psalm 47 and Psalm 96 speak of God’s Sovereignty.
    • Psalm 103 and Psalm 145 speak of God’s Goodness and Faithfulness
    • Psalm 148 and Psalm 150 gives praise to God for all creation.

    R=Repent and give thanks

    Ask forgiveness for sins you have committed, the known and unknown sins. No one is sinless and God will forgive you, if you repent and turn away from it… At least try to turn away from it.

    Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

    Give thanks for the blessings in your life. I usually thank God for His provision, for my family, my church and any other thing that comes to mind because it is all His anyway.

    1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

    A=Ask for others

    This is where you pray for others. It can be anything from health, to relationships, to finances, to whatever is going on in your family and friends’ lives. You can even extend the prayers to other nations and peoples.

    (My husband and I pray from our weekly prayer list that we get from our church, but you can start your own prayer list with a journal.)

    Y=Ask for Yourself

    Pray about your needs by asking the Lord to favor you after you have praised Him, asked for forgiveness, and prayed for others showing a true humble spirit.

    I have found this method to be an effective way to pray. Not only do your words not become rote but you find more and more to pray about.

    I remember my prayer time was short when I first started praying this way, as time went by, (and I commuted about thirty minutes to work) I found that was the best time for me to pray. So it was on the way to work and on the way home that became my prayer time. It worked for me back then. My prayer time has evolved, and I pray throughout the day, after my husband and I pray corporately. It’s great to get into the habit of doing it.

    Find a time that works for you.  How do you pray? Do you have a method? Please share your thoughts below.

     

  • Dating God’s Way:

    Since I’m a contemporary inspirational (Christian) romance author I wanted to research the five stages of dating from a Christian perspective.

    Dating is an exciting and significant journey, especially when approached with a Christ-centered mindset. Understanding the five stages of dating can help couples navigate their relationships intentionally and honor God through every step.

    The five stages I “googled” did not make sense from a Christian perspective, I finally found ones that made sense.

    1. An initial attraction spurs a glimmer of interest

    The first stage of dating begins with attraction. This might be physical, emotional, or spiritual—a spark that piques your curiosity. As Christians, it’s important to evaluate whether this attraction aligns with biblical principles.

     

    1 Samuel 16:7 NKJV tells us,  But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

    It’s important to look at the person’s heart as God looks at our hearts. Ask yourself these questions:  Does this person share my faith and values? Is their character rooted in Christ? Does he or she lovingly interact with their family?

     

    1. Lay a strong foundation by building a friendship

    Friendship is the cornerstone of any lasting relationship. During this stage, spend time getting to know each other in group settings or casual conversations. Look for compatibility, shared interests, and most importantly, shared faith. Building trust and respect starts here. It is key. Pray for wisdom as you discern if this relationship should move forward.

    Proverbs 27:17 tells us “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of of his friend.”   

    Ask yourself these questions:  Does this person share my interests and goals? Is he or she easy to talk to?  Does his or her faith line up with yours?

     

    1. Establishing purpose as you date intentionally

    Once mutual interest and trust are established, couples enter the intentional dating stage. This is where you move from casual interactions to deeper conversations about life goals, values, and your faith journeys. Be open about your intentions—dating with the purpose of glorifying God and potentially moving toward marriage.

    Psalm 37:5 tells us “Commit your way to the Lord; trust also in Him and He shall bring it to pass.”

    Pray together and ask godly couples from your church community to mentor you.

     

    1. Grow in Unity through the deepening of the relationship:

    Couples deepen their connection through shared experiences, vulnerability, and trust. It’s a time to evaluate whether you complement one another’s spiritual, emotional, and relational needs. Discuss topics like finances, family, and ministry goals to ensure alignment.

    Amos 3:3 tells “Can two walk together unless they are agreed?”

    Be alert if disagreements arise. Handle them with grace and seek discernment and guidance from God. Watch for patterns of unresolved conflict or spiritual misalignment. It’s better to cut the relationship before marriage. Many times, important things are overlooked and that can lead to heartache later on. (Speaking from a voice of experience here.)

     

    1. Engagement, a time for marriage preparation.

    Engagement is a joyful and sacred season of preparation. Use this time to deepen your relationship with God and each other. Premarital counseling can provide valuable insights into your strengths and areas to grow as a couple. Stay committed to purity and honor God in your plans.

    Psalm 127:1a tells us “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it;”

    Plan your wedding, but also prepare for your marriage—a lifelong covenant.

    Finally, dating as a Christian is about more than finding “the one.” It’s about honoring God in your relationships and growing closer to Him through the process. At every stage, pray for wisdom, seek godly counsel, and trust God’s perfect timing.

    Which stage of dating do you find most challenging? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear from you!