It is both humbling and exciting when people subscribe to this blog. While I know from the stats that hundreds of people come to this site every day, some of those decide to subscribe; they get the free eBook, an email when there’s a new post, and, sometimes something special from me personally.
In recent weeks I have noticed a number of folks from Africa subscribing to this blog. I appreciate that very much, and hope that the content on this site provides you with information you can use. Knowing there is fierce persecution of Christians in various parts of Africa, I would never use names or towns of those new subscribers.
But, I did want to send warm and loving greetings to all readers, and subscribers of this blog who are in Africa. May our loving God and Father supply all your needs.
We have a 7-year-old flat top stove. The other day it quit – all four burners. Poof. Done.
Instead of spending more money fixing it, like we did two years ago, we found a really good deal for a new one. They came and installed the new stove, and I’m back to being spoiled by my wife’s fabulous cooking.
End of story, right? Yes. But, I could have mentioned
Have you ever just unplugged yourself from it all? I did. Sheer bliss!
No phone calls. No voice mails. No texts. No emails. Bliss!
No Instagram. No Twitter. No Facebook. Bliss!
I unplugged for seven days as Kathy and I took a cruise celebrating our 45th wedding anniversary. Lazy time. Relaxing time. Reading time.
I read two books, seven articles (I printed ahead of time), and
A Gift For You!
Next Tuesday, May 3, I’m going to send out a free gift to all Confidence And Joy subscribers! What is it? Well, let’s just say it’ll be just in time for Mother’s Day, coming up May 8.
If you’re not a subscriber, just type your name and email address in the box in the right column of this page. Subscribers get an email whenever I post something new.
When you subscribe, you’ll get my free eBook, Nine Simple Keys To Answered Prayer, and, you’ll also get the free gift I’m sending out next Tuesday. Don’t wait, sign up before midnight Monday night!
A SPECIAL GIFT FOR CONFIDENCE AND JOY SUBSCRIBERS
I just gave all subscribers to this blog a gift: Mikes Pep Talks – Volume I! (Check your email inbox!) It’s my way of saying thanks for subscribing.
And, since it’s the holiday season, anyone new who subscribes, up until midnight, December 25th, I’ll give you the same gift!
To subscribe to this blog, in the box to the right of this announcement, just put in your name and email address. Once your email is confirmed, you’ll get my eBook, nine Keys to Answered Prayer. Shortly after that you’ll receive an email on how to download all 40 audio pep talks from Volume I.
Before the smartphone, you needed someone to either take your picture with a camera, or sit down and have an artist paint your portrait. Today, smartphone selfies are a phenomenon capturing self portraits by the millions. But self portraits have actually been around since artists first began seeing their own images in the mirror.
In the late 1700’s, Spanish artist Francisco de Goya painted at least three pictures of himself – self portraits, canvas selfies. Art collectors date some of the oldest preserved canvas selfies to the late 1300’s. Today, almost everyone with a smartphone either has someone take their picture, or snaps their own selfies.
Just For Fun?
Most agree selfies are lots of fun. But some say all these selfies are nothing more than vanity. Others say it’s a clear sign of narcissism. Recent studies seem to indicate the amount of time looking at other people’s selfies causes image problems for some.
Finally, after weeks of repairs, alterations, renovations, remodeling, and implementing a brand new theme, this blog is back online!
What do you think?
Is the free eBook offer too inconspicuous? Just kidding. Sign up today and get your free eBook, and you’ll get email notifications for each new post. (Already a subscriber? You’ll need to sign up to reconfirm and you’ll get the eBook too!)
Take some time to look around at the new format and leave a comment and let me know what you think. Leave a comment on this post, or any other post. You can easily share any post you like with others as well.
There are still a few minor adjustments going on in the background, but we are off and sailing forward, providing practical Christian living.
It feels good to be back!
Thanks for subscribing!
A confirmation email has been sent to you.
Once you receive that email, and confirm by clicking on the link in that email, you’ll end up back here at Confidence And Joy to receive your free eBook!
You’ll also be receiving each new posting from this blog via email!
Thanks again for subscribing!
[Coming soon! A new look for Confidence And Joy! If you receive each new post via email or RSS, you’ll need to subscribe again. Watch for
details.]
You’ve probably heard the old phrase, “God can turn lemons into lemonade.” It basically means you can trust God for His help during difficult times. Lemons are sour, but lemonade is sweet; God can bring you out of a sour situation into sweet deliverance.
But I must admit, I’ve never really liked that phrase. Not that I don’t believe God can help in lousy situations. He certainly has for me on many occasions. But the analogy for me has always been weak because,
We decided not to tell our children there was a Santa Claus. That was our choice and I certainly don’t judge other parents who decide to go along with the whole Santa thing. It may sound silly to some and even ridiculous to others for us to take that position, but for us, we just didn’t want to have to someday tell them we lied about it.
I do remember one time talking to my daughter, when she was around five, who, because signs and talk of Santa were everywhere, was starting to wonder if Santa was real. I talked truthfully to her and asked her
