Comparison is a universal struggle it seems. And in my own life, I must admit, when I compare myself to others, it steals my joy and kills my hope… Of who I want to be. Of what I long to do. Of where I want to go. And how I will ever possibly get there. […]
The Declare Conference and a Divine Appointment
It’s 10:30 on Friday night, when I stand in line to pick up my blog critique, longing to get some feedback to improve. I get to the front of the line just as they announce it’s time for the meeting to re-convene, so I return to my seat at the back of the room. Another hour […]
When God Gives Suffering :: {How to Suffer Well}
I started a new exercise program last week. It’s called Insanity and now I know why … it is insane! I’m sore in places I never knew existed, which serves me right since I’ve pretty much been taking an “exercise vacation” since running my half-marathon last October. Yes, it’s true. Me and exercise … we […]
When You Need to Believe God Has an Amazing Plan
God rolled out a last-minute live-it-up plan last Tuesday. And I’m not sure what the affinity is to Tuesday lately, but it seems like the last two Tuesdays have become His get-ready-and-just-watch-what-I’m-gonna-do days. Because God’s just like that–He loves to blow us away with who He is and how He loves. I took the kids […]
I Listen When You Call {Letters from God}
I see you scurrying and hurrying and worrying to find me. I see you looking for me and listening for my voice. I know you want to know my will and I see the genuine way you search for me wherever you are. And sweet child, you must know, I hear you. And I listen when you […]
How to Understand Tragedy and Suffering
The morning is new, the breeze is cool, and the sun is climbing into the sky when our ship reaches the Maui shore. The blue ocean waves shimmer in the light and the rocking of the tender boat soothes our welcome to the quaint city of Lahaina. And as we get off the boat and […]
A Letter to You, For When You’re Weary
Dear weary mom, I see you. And I’ve been you. Weary, drooping, and exasperated, like week-old tulip petals trying to hang on. Fading and withering, more and more … until weak, and all used-up, and falling right down. I am you. And I know. I see the messes you face over and over again. The Cheerios appearing on the floor […]
When Boston Bombs and Tragedy & Suffering Bring Doubt
Boston bombs … and in our tragedy and suffering we dangle with doubt. Our hands hold on and our hearts grieve, for the hope we long to keep. Our innocence is long-lost and our trust in peace is shattered. And we sit and wait for answers and wrestle to understand why. One tragedy follows another, […]
When You Doubt God is Here {Letters from God}
I am here. And I see. I see the discouragement that seeps in through the cracks of your doubt. The times you question whether you’re able to be used by Me at all. I see how your tired head bends in the dark and longs for more hours in each day. How you stay up in […]
Mended :: Providential Purpose {Week 6}
Angie Smith continues to bless, as we make our way through her book Mended: Pieces of a Life Made Whole. This week we’re discussing chapters 17-19 and continuing to wrestle through the steps of being mended. We are made complete amidst tragedy, redeemed through failure, and comforted by a Savior who understands every detail of our […]