I was not an avid reader as a child like Dad. He had numerous books going simultaneously. I was always amazed by the wide variety of subjects he read. I, on the other hand, had a difficult time even finishing a book. And there were many times I peeked ahead to find out how things … Continue reading Convinced
(There is) one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all (Ephesians 4:6). A good part of my life I had a certain picture in mind of God and what He was like. He was sitting on His throne and really far away. This heavenly Father (with maybe … Continue reading The Father is God
What comes to mind when you think about the Holy Spirit? For some, they picture the Spirit of God as a type of force or power to tap into in order to see God do big things. Personally, for a long time, the Holy Spirit was the most mysterious of the Godhead, since I heard … Continue reading The Spirit is God
I like the ring of this phrase- "made marvelous." Maybe because "marvelous" is not a customary part of my vocabulary, or maybe because marvelous is just a good sounding word, I like it. This morning I read these two words and became curious. What about you? I want to know, what was "made marvelous?" It … Continue reading Made Marvelous
Think about when you are most satisfied. Something important to you makes you feel good or happy. Yet this may not be the thing that actually satisfies our soul. We need "soul satisfying." Soul Satisfying The satisfied life is a content life. Content does not equal happy, but rather it is a full life with … Continue reading The Beauty of Surrender: the Satisfied Life
Making a decision can often feel weighty, kind of like the scene towards the end of the movie, The Last Crusade, when Indian Jones must decide which cup is Christ’s cup. The knight says, “Choose wisely.” For one choice leads to life and the other, to destruction. How do you choose? Decision-making can be agonizing! … Continue reading Decisions, Decisions: How to decide?
God seeks our lowliness. He desires it -- earnestly wanting it for us. Not because He is a God who wishes to crush us or takes pleasure in our unhappiness, no it is for the exact opposite. Because of His great love for us, He desires our lowliness. Becoming Like a Child Another way of … Continue reading The Aroma of Lowliness
This is an older post, but I thought it was worth bringing back... Ours is a world fueled by likes, influence, followers, numbers, and appearances. We are consumed with ourselves and making ourselves known, heard and followed. It is easy for me to feel like I never quite measure up, depending on which way I turn. … Continue reading Is there a Better Way to Measure Success?
We often think it will be what we have in common, how we are similar or compatible that will make a marriage last. I love the scene in the movie, Nacho Libre, in which Nacho tells Sister Encarnacion that her favorites are also his favorites every day. Commonalities draw us together, but do they make … Continue reading Three Vital Elements for a Lasting Marriage
Is he “the one?” Is he not “the one?” Around this time, 21 years ago, I was asking myself that very question. My sister had asked me during Christmas if I thought Brian was “the one.” I had told her, “I think so but I’m not sure yet.” I also wondered, “How will I know … Continue reading Is he the one? Four questions to consider before saying, “Yes!”
This is the first year I have taken full advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday for Christmas shopping. Sitting in the comfort of my home, saving up to fifty percent, and pairing it with free shipping, is my way to shop! It sure beats the traffic, dreary weather and waiting in long lines. I … Continue reading Giving the Unexpected at Christmas: Reflections on a Lavish Giver
Recently, I sat on a porch with five young women as I lead us in a retreat to really retreat. You know, to get away and be refreshed, not just to get away only to return home more tired than when you left. No, not that kind of retreat. I wanted the time to pour … Continue reading Four Timeless Things to Keep Coming Back to
I had a picture in my mind of the Church. Well, it was more a picture of how the church might be perceived or experienced from outside the church. There are tall, impenetrable walls. There are no cracks, just strong, stout walls. And as I look up, it is stories tall -- maybe six stories, … Continue reading A Fortress or a Church?
I love the idea of something being effortless. A, “I took no time to do this such-n-such a thing” sounds nice to me. Often social media gives this impression. I don't want the the fussy, stiff and unapproachable. Living the Effortless Life Effortless Hair A few years back during prom and wedding season my hair … Continue reading Is the Effortless Life Really what I Want?
How do you feel when you stop, really stop, and realize you have taken someone or something for granted — a relationship, a job, education, or even just food on the table? I don’t like it when I come to this place. Its value, influence or proper place in my life was lost. Some things … Continue reading Red, White, and Reconciled
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