Devotional Thoughts Archives - Page 20 of 29

Doubt is Not a Dirty Word

Got questions? We all have them. Really. You are NOT alone in this. I'm not referring to those questions that can necessarily be answered with a cut and dry, yes, or no. What happens when there isn't one exact, precise, or clear and tangible answer to calm the confusion? Doubt. I prefer to think of doubt as the beginning of a journey. Uncertainty. Hesitation. Apprehension. Fear. We tend to start with these emotions when we approach situations which seem . . . too difficult. Too miraculous. Too good to be true. This week we'll face our doubts. For contrary to the lie you [...]

By Joline Atkins|2015-05-14T15:44:22-04:00February 5, 2012|

CONtent Won’t Make One ConTENT

I am conTENT. I have all I need. Sure, I have desires and wants. I explore goals and dreams. I still struggle with the temptation of wanting more, mainly in the area of money - "If we just had _____ more money a month." But, truly, I'm good with it all. In the past, when feeling less than conTENT, I would fill my head with CONtent: if I just read THIS verse. If I just read THAT book. If I journal. If I memorize scripture. If I . . . If I . . . If I . . . [...]

By Joline Atkins|2015-05-14T15:44:22-04:00January 30, 2012|

Addicted to Challenge

"Hello. My name is Joline. And I am a Challenge-holic." It's true. Something happened to me when I turned 40 a few years ago. Suddenly, I was done playing games. No more wasting time. While I watched many bemoan 40, I had no intention of living my life as if I had entered some kind of second-stage that wouldn't offer me anything new, exciting, and, well, challenging. I didn't just set goals and then chop away at them, however. Here is where 40 brought much wisdom. See, going at my goals, alone, was NOT an option. I have surrounded myself [...]

By Joline Atkins|2015-05-14T15:44:22-04:00January 16, 2012|

Celebrate in the Storm

Can I be blunt? Christians can be real downers. (Notice I didn't use the name Debbie in front of that, 'cause my girl Debbie here at DFF is most definitely NOT a downer.) I realize that may have stung. Much of my bold statement comes from actual observations/conversations with other Christians. (And sure, I'm also opinionated.) Only, my ears do seem to perk up when I hear even the hint of fear, defeat, and paranoia from the mouths of my brothers and sisters in Christ. See, two years ago, a wise, wise woman in my life advised me to meditate [...]

By Joline Atkins|2015-05-14T15:44:22-04:00January 9, 2012|

Joline’s Story

I've always had this sense that God was committed to getting my attention.Our family were Sunday Catholics. I took the sacraments. Visited church when my family went to church. Took CCD classes. But when they stopped attending, so did I, naturally, for, quite simply, I couldn't drive. And yet, God was always one step ahead of me - pulling me towards him in unique ways.From the Good News Club that a friend's mother ran from her house after school when I was in second grade. (I still recall the enormous felt board which she used to show bible stories.)Or, my [...]

By Joline Atkins|2015-05-14T15:44:22-04:00January 3, 2012|