Posts by Michele Cushatt
Today’s Truth
But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.”
(Luke 5:30-31, NIV)
Friend to Friend
The moving van showed up early on a Monday, a day full of sunshine and blue sky. It was the first warm day of summer, and I anticipated spending it outside welcoming the new season.
But before I could head to the back yard, a glance out my front window changed my mood in a moment: A yellow moving van sat across the street. I knew what it meant, although my heart didn’t want to believe it was true.
“They’re getting divorced,” my children had told me the day before. I ignored them, knowing how often they pick up neighborhood gossip from the various other children, only a small fraction of which ever proves true. But the moving van
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Today’s Truth
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
(Isaiah 55:10-11, NIV)
Friend to Friend
The view took my breath away. For two hours, I’d been hiking one of Colorado’s many hiking trails, backpack-laden, sweat dripping, calves burning. In the span of two miles, I’d climbed nearly a thousand vertical feet, not a small accomplishment considering the rocky terrain and incline. Each step required intentionality, each move complete focus.
Not to mention breathing. High-altitude breathing. Trust me when I say it’s hard to get oxygen that high in the sky.
But the view at the top made all the sweat and struggle of the two hours before worth the effort. Spread out in front of me sat the entire Breckenridge Valley, the ski slopes carving up one side, the tops of various other mountain
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Today’s Truth
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Philippians 4:12, NIV
Friend to Friend
“It’s too hot!” he complained over the kitchen counter, complete with rolled eyes and his best pre-adolescent attempt to pretend he might pass out from the heat.
Nice acting job, buddy. I restrained rolling my own eyes.
Moments, before I’d told my twelve-year-old to go outside and play with friends. He needed to get some fresh air and sunshine. Otherwise we both might have a meltdown.
Granted, it was close to 90 degrees outside. Warm, no doubt about it. But not scorching or dangerous. And our neighborhood boasted plenty of large trees and front porches providing shade. It was a normal summer day, but already the break from school had lost its luster.
“It’s beautiful outside!” I told him. “Besides, remember a
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Today’s Truth
Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.
Proverbs 12:16, NIV
Friend to Friend
We were hoping for a long, slow dinner out with good friends. Instead, what we got was a mediocre meal and a rude waitress.
From the moment we walked in the door of the tiny cafe, we felt her chill. She didn’t want us standing by the door, nor did she like it when we sat in a couple vacated chairs while we waited for a table. When our table was finally ready, she seemed annoyed by the number of our children. Then, when we asked for an additional glass of water, she let us know she’d already brought enough for everyone. We must’ve misplaced it. Finally, when we discovered we’d been given a regular pizza when we’d
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Today’s Truth
When He had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, He broke them and gave them to His disciples to distribute to the people, and they did so … The people ate and were satisfied.
Mark 8:6, 8a, NIV
Friend to Friend
The Gospel of Mark says four thousand people came to hear Jesus speak that day. Of course, this wasn’t the first time a crowd had gathered. By now, the disciples were used to men, women and children pressing close to the One who spoke of heaven as if it was present and here for the taking.
But this time the crowd stayed for three straight days. I imagine they slept on the grass, curled up in families in an attempt to ward off the cold. They wore the same clothes and went without showers. Worse yet, they’d long since consumed their sack lunches. That means, in their hunger for more of Jesus, they’d failed to eat.
This is why
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Today’s Truth
Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble
Matthew 6:34
Friend to Friend
A quick look at my upcoming calendar nearly launched me in an enthusiastic episode of hyperventilation. Paper bag? Anyone have a paper bag?! As I scanned Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and every day following for several weeks, any free time and possibility of rest were swallowed up by commitments and responsibility. Once again, I’d said “yes” to too many appointments, meetings and projects. I knew better, had been here before. And yet, once again, I found myself in a wrestling match between promises made and potential meltdown.
The more I looked at the never-ending stretch of days, the more I felt buried under the weight of it. And with the weight came frustration, irritation, and anger. Even panic. How
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