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 […]
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 […]
For When You Need to Feel the Dirt to Appreciate Being Clean
I can’t remember the last time I actually planted things in the dirt. And in general, I have an aversion to dirt. Just ask my kids. I’m a recovering don’t-get-your-hands-dirty kind of mom. They know. And what can I say? Except that I’m changing, and I am trying. I’ve lightened up over the years, that’s for […]
On Being Affectionate and Tender-hearted
The other day, I cared for one of the most difficult patients of my career. She was jaded and volatile, hot-tempered and reactionary. She had chosen to respond to the pain and hurt of her life by maintaining a drug habit and building a rigid wall around her heart—a wall that she made impenetrable to […]
Vivid Grace {Five Minute Friday}
Vivid: strikingly bright or intense, clearly perceptible. There was a time in my life where my view of God’s grace was dulled–blurred by my arrogance and pride. The problem was I thought I had it all together. Oh, I knew that technically I was a sinner because God’s word says everyone is, but I didn’t […]
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 […]
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 […]
I Will Always Remember
I remember the bottom, my lowest point. In the midst of my divorce, in my failure and shame–sitting in my car, tears flowing down, and being broken.
If I only could…
I meet many different kinds of people and I’m sure you do too. And it’s no surprise to you that not everyone has a flowery life…a life that looks beautiful, smells wonderful, and is vibrant and full of beauty. And while no one has a perfectly blooming life, some have more hope than others. And […]
