Blog
Finished but Not Over
The sun rises on a new day. But the weight of darkness still lingers from the hours before. Shouting voices are now quiet as the angry crowds have dispersed. The ground has settled. The veil is torn. The bloody cross no longer stands.
To The One Who Will Wear The Tie
On our daughter’s 18th birthday, my husband and I gave her a tie. Yes, that’s right- a tie. Navy blue with pink and white stripes, the colors she’s chosen for her dream wedding. Even more than she dreams about the perfect wedding, we dream together about the man who will be God’s perfect match for her; the man who is beyond excited to spend the rest of his life loving her; the man who will one day be waiting for her at the front of the church wearing that tie. The gift was given as a visual reminder to her to keep praying for that man, to pray that God will raise him up and grow him and prepare him to lead and love her well.
Giving Up Good For God
“I want to be a good person…I want to go to a good school…I want to get a good job…I want to marry a good guy/girl…I want to have a good marriage…I want to raise good kids…I want to do good works…I just want to live a good life.”
Labor Of Love
It was a Thursday morning nineteen years ago this week. It was 60 some degrees and breezy as we made our way to the hospital. I had labored through the night, but it was still thirteen days before my due date. Never having done this before, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. We had completed the Lamaze class, even though we never did master the art of the “hee-hoo-hee-hoo” breathing without a continual case of the giggles. But apparently, using breathing techniques or not, the baby was indeed coming.
Lessons From The Zipline
I was so excited for the opportunity to zipline for the first time. I quickly signed up and couldn’t wait to try it. When the time came, I geared up- bottom harness, top harness, helmet and gloves. I was ready. I climbed up about 6 flights of stairs before stepping out onto the platform.
Where Joy Begins
The doctor was certain. The tests revealed what they had prayed would not be true. The two of them would never have children. It simply was not possible. His words rang through their ears and pierced their hearts. But God, why? But God, don’t you know how badly we want this? Motherly intuition had told her their first child would be a girl, and they’d even chosen a name – Julie Ann. But now their worst nightmare had been confirmed, and a mother she might never be.
This Is Me
I have long since graduated college, but this video inspires me. When merged with biblical principles, it fires me up; it ignites the passion in my soul. Why? Because “obedience” is the word God has given me this year. I don’t typically succumb to the tradition of choosing a theme word for a given time period, but last year I found “surrender” to be an uninvited yet necessary theme in my life. And as I have been slowly learning to surrender my life and my plans to the Almighty God, (you wouldn’t think it would be so hard- I mean, He is the ALMIGHTY God!), He has also been working in my heart to live in full obedience to what He is calling me to.
Praises In The Dark
At church this morning, as we were singing, “You are the only King forever, Almighty God, we lift You higher; You are the only King forever…” the power went out. The auditorium went dark, and most instruments fell silent except for the faint strums of the guitar no longer amplified. But the voices continued in praise, “…Forevermore, You are victorious!” The power was quickly restored, but technical glitches remained throughout most of the service. Yet the people continued to worship, singing, “This we know, we will see the enemy run; this we know, we will see the victory come; We hold on to every promise You’ve ever made; Jesus, You are unfailing!” and “God is able, He will never fail, He is Almighty God…lifted up He defeated the grave; Raised to life, our God is able; in His name we overcome, for the Lord our God is able!”
In With The New
As another year has passed, we stand on the brink of one new. And just like at the beginning of every new year, there’s much talk about blank pages, resolutions, and goals. You’ve heard it, right? “New year, new you.” So what does that mean, and what does that actually look like? For many it’s about weight loss or a new fitness program. For others it’s about organizational goals, financial goals, or relational goals. But what if there was something more, something deeper? What if the new you this year was less about you and more about Christ in you?
Freshly Fallen Snow
Grace in the beauty of freshly fallen snow. Purest white clings to the trees, coating their limbs, covering the earth. The snow glistens under the blue sky, the brilliant sun. Undisturbed stillness. Utter peace.
Presently Engaged
As God has impressed upon my heart the need to rest in the midst of this busy season, I am trying to be better engaged with what’s right in front of me and really be present in the present. Yesterday our church seniors’ class hosted their annual Christmas luncheon. This is a group that faithfully meets for Bible study every Wednesday morning and has lunch together once a month. As a church staff person, I will often be invited to grab some lunch from their impressive buffet line. Usually when I do this, I take my food back to my desk and eat as I continue to work. But yesterday was different, not just because it was a special Christmas luncheon, but because I chose to sit and eat with them. As an introvert, this is not always an easy thing for me to do, but within minutes, I knew the names of everyone at the table.
‘Twas The Week Before Christmas
‘Twas the week before Christmas, and all through my mind Thoughts were a whirling of all different kinds Parties and menus and things yet to do Cleaning and shopping to name just a few I sat at the table, coffee in hand
Zoe, Grace & Joy
ZOE is the Greek word (pronounced zo-ay) meaning “absolute fullness of life; life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed in this life and the next.” This is the life Jesus came to bring to those who trust in Him. It is life, more and better than we ever dreamed.