Tag: Dianne Barker

  • Another Trip to the Garbage Dump

    Just made another trip to the garbage dump. I despise that stinkin’ place. Sorry to say, I’ve spent too much time there. Some of the junk I’d discarded had somehow made its way back into my life. A scrap of anger. A handful of discouragement. A chunk of worry. A sliver of fear. A crumb…

  • Following Jesus One Faltering Step at a Time

    A woman stepped off an escalator at the shopping mall, paused briefly, and said to a friend who was following, “Where are we going?” Her friend answered, “I don’t know. Where are we?” Overhearing the conversation, I smiled, recognizing a significant life principle: we need to know where we are to figure out where we’re…

  • Discerning Motive: Legacy or Vanity?

    I wish I could say my motive was legacy but I now know it was vanity. As a young journalist I’d noticed articles reporting the death of local and national leaders appeared on the newspaper’s front page, above the fold, accompanied by a photo. With the passion of youth and ego, I began pouring my…

  • 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…

  • 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…