Dianne Barker

Category: General

  • God Uses Small Things for His Purpose

    Never underestimate God’s ability to use small things for his purpose. As the world reflects on the amazing life of Evangelist Billy Graham, I remember with a grateful heart how his life influenced mine. I had the honor of meeting this humble man who walked as comfortably with Presidents and royalty as with ordinary people.…

  • Do You Struggle Living the Christian Life?

    Much of my Christian life has been a struggle. At age seven I invited Jesus into my heart as Savior, but I struggled with doubt for many years until Romans 10:13 settled the issue forever. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” With my seven-year-old understanding, I called. He…

  • Get Your Gratitude Repair Kit Here

    My ’tude has a leak—not the inner-tube on a car tire…my gratitude. I’m an optimistic person—a big dreamer whose great expectations sometimes leave my husband scratching his head. Also I’m big on saying “thank you” for the smallest gesture of kindness. A slow leak But lately I’ve noticed a slow leak in the ’tude. A…

  • Mentoring in the Marriage Season

      Have you been blessed with a mentoring relationship–someone who walked alongside you, teaching gently from life experiences? I’m grateful the Lord sent older friends to guide me through challenging places. My friend, author Janet Thompson, has a new book that shows the value of these relationships: Mentoring for All Seasons: Sharing Life Experiences and…

  • Starting the New Year with Confidence

    We’ve launched a new year and I’m wondering…did you start with confidence? I love filling in my calendar—special events and appointments I’ve already scheduled and lots of open spaces for opportunities God will send. What will he send in the coming months? Only he knows. I stand with open hands to receive what he’s already…

  • Need Fulfillment? Expect a Package Soon

    “This is the Fulfillment Department,” said a stranger’s voice. He had a package ready to send. The best telemarketing call ever! Wish I hadn’t clicked to end the conversation. Sometimes my hands are faster than my brain. I rarely waste time listening to telephone sales tactics, but later I wondered what else he might have…

  • Maximum Living–Have You Found It?

    Maximum living is that superior quality of life Jesus called abundant (John 10:10). How do we access that? While teaching a couples’ Sunday School class, I read aloud the focus verse for the week. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my [firm,…

  • Trusting God When Your Heart Is Broken

    I learned awesome truth from two young college students. My daughter was competing in a beauty pageant and returned from practice one evening a little discouraged. All of the contestants had amazing talent performances, and she worried she didn’t have a chance to win. Moments later her bubbly personality kicked in as she explained how…

  • A New Perspective for a New Year

    I’ve missed you, Lord. You know I’ve been busy lately. It seems only yesterday we started a new year and I started strong, meeting you in the mornings the way Moses did. He knew the importance of getting his instructions and being renewed. I know that, too. But some days life is just too much—too…

  • The Great Slaw Caper

    My upcoming book Help! I’m Stuck and I Can’t Get Out! includes an anecdote, “The Great Slaw Caper.” You can read the story on the More to Life Magazine blog October 23. Thought you might enjoy the recipe. Refrigerator Slaw Thinly slice and place in large bowl: 1 large head cabbage 1 large onion 1…