Devotional Thoughts Archives - Page 23 of 29

Hope Floats

Hope. Expectation. Trust. Promise. Anticipation. It's hard to live these words if one feels as if they are always sinking. And let's be honest, a drowning spirit is a difficult terrain to fight. Thus, we look for tools to save us. People. Material items. Change of life circumstance. However, what happens when humans, stuff, and life leave us feeling empty? Or, in some cases - HEAVIER - thus pulling us farther under at an increased rate of speed. There is only ONE Life-Preserver that floats and has the miraculous ability to remain above all the rough waters we tread. But, until [...]

By Joline Atkins|2015-05-14T15:45:09-04:00November 27, 2011|

365 Days of Thanks

30 Days of Thanks. Thankful Trees. Gratitude Journal. There are just so many ways for us to track those things, people, events, and moments, for which we are thankful. As a natural "tracker", I really enjoy tools to help me maintain a habit of recording devotionals, workouts, even calories. Years ago I attempted to keep a Gratitude Journal, or Thankfulness Diary - call it what you will. I got the surprise of my life. I couldn't keep up. What I learned then (almost 20 years ago now) is that I can not possibly record every single God-sighting in my life. And I [...]

By Joline Atkins|2015-05-14T15:45:09-04:00November 22, 2011|

Thankful Much?

We're changing things up over here at Daily Fast Fuel, and now, you'll be hearing from each of us every week. Yes! We've enjoyed both the service and the practice of writing, and are thankful for how Daily Fast Fuel has touched you, as well as us as our team . . . and thus, as we move forward from here, we have decided to take daily shifts - rather than weekly ones. What better way to begin this week than with the topic of THANKFULNESS. That word sure is thrown around this time of year, isn't it? Only, doesn't [...]

By Joline Atkins|2015-05-14T15:45:09-04:00November 21, 2011|

How to Host a Great Block Party

Make a guest list. Invite the neighbors: the Samaritans, the tax collectors, the lepers, the blind, the deaf, the lame, and anyone else who you sense needs to feel loved. (Or, get a little crazy and invite those you struggle to love.) Chuck any agenda you may have and simply get to know them personally. Look them in the eye. Don't assume. Ask questions. Be present. Quit looking for an escape, and try to clear your head from your responses/rebuffs to their comments while they are still talking. Shhhh. Believe me. This is not an easy assignment for me either. [...]

By Joline Atkins|2015-05-14T15:45:10-04:00October 14, 2011|

Whose Fight?

Psalm 34. One of my favorite Psalms. Read it. Go ahead. I'll wait. (whistling show tunes) Done? Ok, so let me ask. Who's in the ring on our behalf? Do you have faith in His ability? Or, are you of the belief that He needs your fancy footwork? Often, we take on battles that 1) God has already won or promised to win, and 2) Aren't our fights in the first place. We may have that fancy footwork, but only God takes the title. Am I saying that we shouldn't stand up FOR and WITH God? No. And . . [...]

By Joline Atkins|2015-05-14T15:45:10-04:00October 13, 2011|