I had a hard day. Just feeling down and overwhelmed with all the hats I wear and the pressure of it all. Kids who don’t obey, communication challenges in my marriage, organizational changes at work, and more acquaintance-only friends than I can count. And to be honest, it’s been a rough day. Do you have […]
Archives for November 2011
Truth in the Tinsel {An Advent Experience for Little Hands}
I have always wanted to do something amazing for advent…you know, like a pocket calendar, prizes behind opened doors, or a paper chain counting down the days…something fun to teach the kids about the Christmas season. I have wanted a way to build anticipation for Christmas, and to spend intentional time together focusing on the real reason we […]
It is Good to Give Thanks :: {Happy Thanksgiving}
It is good to pause and look up, away from our own selves, to Him who gives to us all things. It is good to sing with awe and to worship Him. It is good to declare His kindness and everlasting love; to give thanks for His faithfulness in the dark times. It is good to look back […]
Transformed by Thanks
The Christmas music began to play downstairs at 6:50am, and I turned over beneath the down comforter and wished it away…a bah-humbug moment for sure. This was my day “off”, free from homeschool responsibilities and hospital work. A family day with no imminent plans. I could hear the lyrics as they declared, “It’s the most wonderful time, of […]
To Grow is in the Dying
To grow is in the dying. The falling of leaves in autumn. The pruning of roses in winter. Pruning what is good to allow for the growth of that which is greater. He requires it and I long to follow and obey. I long for Him to transform me into His likeness, in whatever way […]
We Have Hope in Failure {Because of Him}
I broke the speed limit yesterday. And last week I turned left when the sign said not to. I omit details sometimes to make my point more convincing, and I justify my own desires by lying to myself that they are noble. I throw internal pity-parties and temper-tantrums and dwell on how things aren’t going […]
I Wouldn’t Have it any Other Way
I don’t think there is any person on this earth I’ve loved more than him. And the strange thing is, I had a feeling that would be the case from the first time we met. And I love his passion…for life and for me. And I live for that way he looks at me with […]
Unexpected Curves and Bends
The journey of this life is full of unexpected curves and bends. Moments unforeseen and even unimagined have bent me and turned me. I have been spun and shaken and surprised by the road’s forced turns. But I’ve also taken my share of should’ve-known-better detours and ended up lost and alone. And my trip back […]
Seizing the Sweet and Melty Moments
She climbs into my lap and flings her tiny arms around me. And nuzzling her nose deep into my neck she whispers, “I love you mama,” like it’s our little secret. And she pulls away and holds my face in her soon-to-be-four-year-old hands and kisses me strong. And she melts me, my youngest of five… […]
Dancing with God
I did a dance with God for several years, which often consisted of the same conversation between us. Not because He was saying the same thing over and over, but because I wasn’t listening. The dance involved me telling Him how sorry I was for being the sinner that I am, and Him affirming me […]
