Not a Forlorn Hope

Not a Forlorn Hope

How is your ‘hope in the Lord?’  Is it renewing your strength?  Do you feel like you’re soaring?  Or has your hope in the Lord become hopeless; forlorn?

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Patricia Batten
God's Garrison of Peace

God’s Garrison of Peace

When arrows of anxiety are flung your way, remember that God’s peace does battle for you.  When anxious thoughts try to penetrate your heart and mind, pray to God.  His peace will garrison your vulnerable heart and mind.    

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Patricia Batten
Mercy hatches

Mercy Hatches

“Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge.” (Psalm 57:1)

I remember a hand-painted sign in England, planted in a lush field of green and purple and yellow:  Don't Damage the Daffs and Don't Crush the Crocuses.Daffodils and crocuses are the harbingers of spring.  Don’t crush the hope of spring.  Don’t damage the blossom of new life. 

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Patricia Batten
Monsters in the Bed

A Mom's Meditation on Psalm 4:8

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.”


Mom got down on her knees

and she started to talk.

She prayed and confessed

that she might need a lock.

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Patricia Batten
What Jesus Says to Parents

What Jesus Says to Parents

I’ve been studying the gospels, trying to see what Jesus said (and says) to parents.  In most cases, moms and dads approach Jesus is deep distress.  A child is sick, demon-possessed or dying.  Parents are at their wits’ end.  In a couple of instances, a mother approaches Jesus hoping for a favor—to help the kids gain a position or to save the neighbors from an embarrassing situation.

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Patricia Batten