Dianne Barker

Tag: Praise

  • 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 The hidden part is shy, withdrawn, insecure.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…

  • Rejoicing by Decision

    As you welcome another day, are you rejoicing? If you don’t feel like rejoicing, possibly you’re carrying yesterday’s stuff. Some days I have trouble moving past yesterday’s disappointments, and I find no reason to rejoice. The Psalms overflow with rejoicing. “I will be glad and rejoice in your love” (Psalm 31:7 NIV). “Then my soul…

  • Rejoicing by Decision

    As you welcome another day, are you rejoicing? If you don’t feel like rejoicing, possibly you’re carrying yesterday’s stuff. Some days I have trouble moving past yesterday’s disappointments, and I find no reason to rejoice. The Psalms overflow with rejoicing. “I will be glad and rejoice in your love” (Psalm 31:7 NIV). “Then my soul…

  • You’re Invited to My Party…It’s a Pity Party

    I’ve decided to throw a party–a pity party. You’re welcome to attend—but you’ll need to wear a mask and practice social distancing. Hope that made you smile! Because there isn’t much to smile about these days. I’m so glad our joy doesn’t depend on circumstances but on our amazing Lord. Whatever happens, we know our…

  • The Case for Joy Argued in Court

    Joy is a choice. No one else is responsible for my joy. Praise and rejoicing are joy’s constant companions. Let’s pretend I’m an attorney arguing a case in court, and you are the jury. As the gavel sounds calling the court to order, I step forward. Members of the jury, thank you for participating in…

  • Thanksgiving…an Everyday Lifestyle

    Thanksgiving isn’t just a one-day observance. It’s an everyday lifestyle. And it’s sweet when we offer thanks without asking for anything. Gratitude spills from the heart as we maintain an on-going conversation with the Lord. Throughout the day as he pours out his love and mercy, we respond with thanksgiving. Or not. I admit my…

  • Joy, Faith Confront Stalkers Weariness, Discouragement

    Joy. Got any? The Lord and I were having a conversation about the future. He noticed I felt a bit disheartened. (He’s good at that—knowing the thoughts of my heart.) A while back, I’d asked, “What’s next?” He’d laid out an action plan, specific steps that would lead to a desired place. “I don’t understand,”…

  • 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…

  • Crisis Praying…How David Prayed in a Cave

    Crisis praying is serious praying. David the giant-slayer found himself in one crisis after another. Fleeing from jealous King Saul, he hid in a cave and prayed his heart out. I learned from his experience recorded in Psalm 142. His cave-crisis praying began with crying out to God. He ran to God. “I cried unto…