Keeping short accounts makes for a life full of peace. And that is a truth that will never change. Several years ago, my husband and I became aware that a couple in our church had a problem with us. We were shocked and surprised to learn of the situation and saddened it had been happening for so […]
Risk :: The Door to Breakthrough and the Key to Growth
I signed up for my first half-marathon today. I know. It’s crazy. And just typing that out is a risk, let alone accomplishing the 13.1 mile-run in October. But I’m coming to accept that risk is the only way to stare fear in the face and win. There’s no other way around it. Any apprehension, […]
For When You Encounter Prickly People :: Sermon on the Mount {Week 11}
Some people are like a cactus, mostly prickly with an occasional flower blooming amidst their thorns. And those kind of people challenge me, because I’m a people pleaser. It’s pretty much guaranteed that if I know there’s a problem between you and me, I will pursue you, no matter whose fault it is. In fact […]
How a Small Act of Being Kind Can Change Everything
Sometimes a random act of kindness can change everything. I have to admit, this morning was rough. I sluggishly woke to the energetic banter of all four of them, and we were already late, as usual. I told them to get ready to go, and they nodded and scattered. And I counted on them to […]
A Father’s Day Thank You!
To my dad, the man who taught me who a real man is and what a real man does. To my father-in-law, a humble patriarch by example, displaying what it means to be a Godly leader. And to my husband, who strives each day to embody the best of them both. Thank you for leading […]
For When You Come to a Fork in the Road {How to Pick Your Path}
In my life I’m on a journey with God, one path after another, with Him leading and me following. But sometimes I can’t help but wonder if I’m on the right path. And I often wish I could see what’s around the next couple bends. I dream of where the path is going. I stand at […]
For When It Is a Challenge to Love
I wear it hoping that it will become true of me … LOVE Jn 13:35. That somehow the feel of it around my neck will make me mindful and aware. That the clanking of the pearl against the metal will help me remember. And it isn’t even 10am and I glance over to see one child hitting […]
Because It’s All About the Illustrations & Their Principles :: Sermon on the Mount {Week 10}
Jesus was clear that He came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, and because He accomplished all He said He would, we are no longer bound to the Old Covenant–no longer obligated to law, but freed to live by the Spirit. We have been given a New Covenant, one that moves us from death, and […]
When You Need to Stop the Expectations So You Can Find Joy
Anger and frustration are the children of unmet expectations. And unmet expectations kill relationships. I should know this by now. It’s a lesson always before me, one I never really learn. It happens in my marriage, with my parents, my children and my friends. And it all starts in my mind. I begin to imagine […]
For When You Think It’s Only About Following the Rules :: Sermon on the Mount {Week 9}
There are some people you never forget—people who leave an impression that’s hard to shake, and growing up I do remember her. She was my mother’s age. Always opinionated and outspoken, and never for a lack of words, and she went out of her way to make you aware of your wayward ways. She grew […]
