Dianne Barker

Tag: hope

  • Living with Expectation in the New Year

    Are you beginning this new year with expectation? Here’s a good verse of encouragement. “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19 KJV). I’m ready for a new thing. Aren’t…

  • A Conversation with the Lord

    Skimming old journal notes, I found this. I do not remember the circumstance that prompted the conversation, but perhaps my working through the challenge will encourage you today. Lord, have I learned the lesson? Have I learned to rest? Have I learned to pray? I only know I have made a choice today, to set…

  • It’s Time to Hunt My Gratitude Repair Kit

    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…

  • A Weariness List…the Pros and Cons

    Have you ever made a weariness list? I did that once. Feeling overwhelmed, I decided to list all my circumstances to identify the cause of my weariness. You know what weariness is. Exhaustion. Disillusionment. These culprits immobilize us. We want to sit down and stay there—if only we could. But commitments and challenges keep us…

  • Look for Treasure in Your Sacks

    Treasure in your sacks! Have you found it? Have you discovered blessing in an unexpected place? Let’s review a well-known story. I hope you’ll take time to read it in Genesis 37 -50. Joseph, a favored son of Jacob, annoyed his ten older brothers—because his father loved him more and because he related his dreams…

  • Benefits of Staying Nestled under God’s Wings

    Welcome my friend, Karen “Girl” Friday. Her thoughts on staying nestled under God’s wings will encourage you to find your place there–under His wings. By Karen Friday She flew away when the front door opened. Inside the flowers of my spring wreath, I found the beginnings of her nest. I realized our constant door activity…

  • Negative Thoughts Will Rob Your Joy

    Negative thoughts will rob your joy, your hope, your life. They’ve stolen a large part of mine. I have a confusing personality—a strange combination of extrovert and introvert. The part people see is outgoing, friendly, talkative. The hidden part is shy, withdrawn, insecure. Those who know me well may find this hard to believe but…

  • 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,…