Prayer
How to Experience More Life and Light and Peace in a Broken World
Did you have an imaginary friend when you were little? Our imaginations are always active and continually influenced by things around us. As we grow older, we can forget how powerful they can be. We learn in Romans 8:6, “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” In our broken world, it is easy to imagine that we are alone when we are afraid or angry…
Thin Yellow Lines
Do you remember the first time you saw The Wizard of Oz? The moment Dorothy opened the door to the brilliant Technicolor of a new and foreign land? The strangeness of the houses and the munchkins’ clothing and speech–and the “Lollipop Guild”? “Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” I had an out-of-Kansas experience in my early twenties when I moved across the ocean to teach in a foreign land: China. There everything seemed unfamiliar. I looked…
What is Mindfulness?
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 “Mindfulness” is one of those words that has become trendy in the past few years, particularly as discussion of mental health has increased in the public sphere. But what is it? Put simply, it is the practice (and it does take practice)…
You’re Invited
I was pouring out some pent up emotions (and tears) in prayer on my walk the other day. I noticed I’d been trying to live bootstraps pulled up, marching forward right over my heart. I know that is not the Father’s heart towards me, so I decided to declare the truth to my heart by praying through Psalm 23. When I came to “my cup runs over,” I “looked” inside my cup. It was empty. A tear fell to the…
Unloved
Have you ever been in a Bible class when the teacher asked you to name a Bible character you admire? Maybe you wanted to be strong like Samson or a skilled warrior like Joshua. Maybe you wanted faith like Abraham or Mary or passion like Peter, even in his missteps. I’ll bet that you never thought, “I want to be like Leah.” A few years ago, someone sympathetically told me that’s who I reminded him of. Leah. Yep, the ugly…
Growth-What I’m Learning about My Purpose
Each of us is born with a unique life purpose. For some of us, our purpose in life is obvious and clear. Some of us are born with a set of talents and through persistent practice, we develop our talents into skills and it may help lead us to our purpose. Yet for others, myself included, it isn’t easy to identify your purpose. We are told to find something you like and pursue it with a passion. I like a…
Lay A Word On Them
There were times when my children came to me for support or (as my girl child would say) to lay a word on them, and I just didn’t have it. I didn’t have anything in the tank to pull out for them, either because my mind was solving some other issue or I was simply tapped out mentally. Well of course being the “always prepared mom” that I am (Haha-nope, the idea came from my sister in law), I had…
One Thing
Sometimes you just need a laugh. You know those days when you wake up with a to-do list a mile long and you’re already stressing. So let’s hit the rewind button and start over. State in your mind FIRST what is most important. God is your rock and your refuge. Seek Him first. Secondly, learn to recognize when you start to drift away from what is most important. Repeat out loud what is most important to you. Thirdly, Reclaim your…
Six Inspirational Quotes
Raising children can be draining. Besides praying scripture and reading books, I so appreciate quotes about parenting (and life in general) from wiser people, because they give me a quick battery recharge during my mundane tasks of running a family. I thought I would share a few of my favorite words of wisdom: 1. Good Kids “Don’t let yourself become so concerned with raising a good kid that you forget you already have one.” — Glennon Melton-Doyle, Momastery 2. Grounded…
God Love
I remember holding my son for the first time and experiencing a feeling of overwhelming love and sense of deep connection. I don’t know if I audibly said the words “I love you”, but every adjective I used to articulate my thoughts could have been replaced with love, love, love. In that moment, my brain didn’t register the cost of what “I love you” would and does require of me. I had all the gushy, emotional, I’ll provide for you and…
Celebrating Advent
Would you like your children to be a little more giving and a lot less focused on getting? Why not start a tradition of celebrating Advent. Advent is about the expectant coming of our Savior and the Joy of celebrating the Hope he brings to the world. Check out this video and try a few of the suggestions below for a change to the customary christmas celebrations. Display an Advent wreath with 3 purple and 1 pink candle. Progressively light…
Thanks Giving
It’s Thanks giving. When we say these words we usually put them together and it becomes synonymous with “I have eaten too much”. I hope that it also means family gatherings where you’re intentionally giving to others, and making lasting memories and family traditions. And I hope it means laughter- tons of laughter!!! This is my favorite time of the year. I love getting together with my siblings and extended family (from both sides of our family). I’m smiling now as I type,…
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