Failure is never as final as not trying at all. Over one year ago, I set out on a journey with some local in-real-life friends. We joined Ann in memorizing the Sermon on the Mount, but instead of starting in January, we started together at Easter. It was the largest scripture memory project I’d ever […]
Why Feelings Are NOT the Dictators of Our Reality {There is Hope}
There are times in life that are stormy and dark, when every heart feels beyond hope. Times when we’re overwhelmed by circumstances that startle and catch us off guard–circumstances that are right here, right now–dark and directly overhead. No anticipation. No warning. And we’re blinded by their presence and sideswiped by their consequences. A lost job. A […]
When You Feel Like Saying “I Can’t Do This!”
She delivered her fourth baby yesterday and you could hear her all the way down the hall. Her epidural didn’t work and she was SO loud. And while birth is a beautiful moment, it’s work—work that really, REALLY hurts. And when there’s that much pain, it’s almost impossible to see the beauty that’s on its […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Growing Takes Time
Growing takes time. It involves maturing and the gaining of wisdom and knowledge. And the beginning of wisdom and knowledge is the fear of the Lord. A complete reverence and awe of Him who is in Ultimate control of all things. Him who is Sovereign, who gives and takes away…who blesses and withholds blessings […]
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 […]
