I used to live in Azerbaijan, where hospitality really WAS a core cultural value. Having a Guest was a BIG DEAL...

Have you ever had an "I done goofed" moment with God? I did, just this morning! But I'll get to that in a minute...

More swamps. Just like the passage I read this morning. "More Fire Swamp, God, with quicksand hazards and Rodents of Unusual Size?"

God is ABLE to deliver us, from the bog of our own bad decisions and willful disobedience... But deliverance is often not without pain.

The really astounding part for David, is that God would make these precious promises, as he put it "EVEN THOUGH YOU KNOW ME JUST AS I AM."

But be bold, no matter who is watching. No matter what sacred cow is being worshiped.

Maybe God has made promises to you, but all you can see is the locked door? "Stop doubting and believe."

So my question for you is, what's your status? 'Going it alone with your anchor dragging, or are you in safe harbor with other believers?

Sometimes God requires hard things. He gives us missions or puts us in circumstances that require us to be resolute.

Original Song "Unexpected Surprises", written after extraordinarily successful stem cell harvesting.

"Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift..." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Celebrate God's little surprises!

Sometimes God removes us from hardships. But more often, He chooses to help us endure them.

Sometimes pruning takes time, so settle down for the waiting!

Sometimes, God answers prayers while we are just living our lives. While we are sleeping.

Honey in the Rock. Sometimes God gives us sweet surprises.

How to deal with the Lies of the Enemy...

The Father didn't want to hear his son's excuses, or apologies. He just wanted to hold his son, overwhelmed with the joy of the homecoming.

Some of my cancer buddies ask about Bucket Lists. "Isn't that being irresponsible?" I say absolutely not! Make the Bucket list! Go to Italy! Eat the damned ice cream! Flash your husband! (You know who you are.) My point is that I agree with King Solomon on this one. We get one shot at this. Some of us are sick and miserable at the moment. Others have different problems. We all have problems. All of us. Anyone that doesn't is just lying to you on Instagram. (Hint: It's just

God told his prophet Hosea to get married and have children.... So this was three pregnancies and a weaning... During this time frame-- crying babies, sleepless nights ("Mommy? Mommy? Mommy? Mommy?"), it is only recorded that God spoke to his prophet on three occasions-- the birth of each child. Why? Because it was not yet his mission to be a prophet to the nations. His mission from God was TO LOVE THAT WOMAN AND BE A FATHER to their children. That was his mission... No matte