I have the incredible privilege of witnessing birth. And birth is hard. It is uncomfortable and painful, and labor just plain hurts, especially without that epidural! But the joy at a delivery is palpable. And what emerges from all that work, is life–new life with potential, hope, and new beginnings, all wrapped up in smooth pink skin. That new baby a representation of the hope and […]
10 Promises to Give Your Heart Rest
God’s Word is true and His promises are sure. In fact they remind me of these live oak trees, standing strong and immovable, protecting whatever is beneath them. And we can have confidence and know that whatever He promises to do, He will do. And as this New Year is beginning, may your heart be rest as you are reminded […]
Merry Christmas, Sweet Friends…
On this eve before our anticipation and yearning is fulfilled… May you know the joy of Him who came for you. May you experience His overwhelming love. May your heart be filled with peace, because He has reconciled you to Himself. May you remember this day and all year through… That He came for you, and He has chosen […]
For When We are Tempted to Speak Cutting Words
Photo credit: bored-now, Flikr creative commons She didn’t know she was talking about me. She didn’t realize as she complained and all the rest laughed and sympathized, that she was complaining about me –that she was irritated and annoyed by me. And what seemed to them, to be a passing critique of a stranger, cut my heart […]
For When I’m Tired and Weary of Fighting this Relentless River
Photo credit: jamesjustin, Flickr creative commons I’ve been memorizing Romans 8 these past  few weeks with this wonderful community. And the thing about memorizing is that I end up meditating on the words all week long…the words ever before me to soak in to this thick skull of mine. I’ve been learning all about the flesh […]
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 […]
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 […]
Removing the Remnants
On a hot June day, with a silent and grumbling heart, I pulled into the parking lot, the heat of the day pressing down and unrelenting no matter my task at hand. Me here to serve, and my heart not really here. And the project before me…this abandoned lot…ridden with weeds and needing restoration, a need for the weeds […]
Broken Pieces Made Whole
I’ve been broken. And guilty. And hurting. And alone. I’ve chosen poorly, and walked through the pain of the aftermath. And the road was steep and high and long. And as my heart’s shattered pieces were scattered and torn…parts sharp with regret and sorrow for sin; It was the surrender of those pieces that began […]
Cease Striving and KNOW that He is God
I’m joining Lisa-Jo, over at one of my favorite sites today, to take five minutes and just write without worrying if it’s just right or not. The challenge is to write for 5 minutes flat with no editing, tweaking or self critiquing, with the prompt she gives. And today, her prompt:  Still….  Go!  […]
