-
An Audience of One
As a young student I loved to write. I couldn’t wait to get to English class, and place my entry in my daily journal. I used to even dream of being discovered posthumously like Emily Dickinson. But, lately, I have been struggling with whether or not to keep writing. Partly due to sheer exhaustion. Partly…
-
Relax and Thrive on Crazy
“The only true gift is a portion of thyself.” Ralph Waldo Emerson I have started to notice something about myself in recent years. Relax? It’s not necessarily something I know how to do. From one job to two, schoolwork to ministry, kids to housework, to being a wife…well, there isn’t much time to relax. When…
-
For the Days You Just Don’t Feel “It”
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. Romans 8:26 “I will admit. Today has been one of those days when I am just not feeling it…whatever “it” may be.” This begins my confession on Sunday morning to a congregation of kids, teens, and adults, all waiting for me to pray for the remainder…
-
Being a Mom is Tough…Period!
“The world is full of women blindsided by the unceasing demands of motherhood, still flabbergasted by how a job can be terrific and torturous.” Anna Quindlen Last week, I shared my heart about the struggles, heartache, misunderstandings, and even envy that can come with being the caregiver of an autistic child. While, I don’t regret…
-
The Wails of the Lonely
The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. Psalm 34:17 I recently had a conversation with a fellow mom about the chaos that often comes with motherhood. As we stood together talking, and as the conversation moved forward I began to share some of the struggles I…
-
Handing out Hearts
But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. Jeremiah 17:10 Love. That one word is important to most everyone. We all want to love, to be loved, to be shown love. And, oh…the pure bliss of hearing those three little words-I love you. But, sometimes those words don’t come. Those three little words are…
-
Rejoicing Before Leaving the Parking Lot
This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 It is the beginning of yet another packed day. A trip to Kings Dominion awaits. One that has me excited but at the same time a bit anxious. Why? Because the monster is coming along. And this…
-
More than a Dirty Sock
“Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.” Matthew 18:5 “And, the first Camp Hall of Fame Award goes to Pastor January!” I had survived my first church camp experience. I was also exhausted, was losing patience, and really wanted to get on the bus and head back home.…
-
What if Love is the Purpose?
“The clearer we capture the vision of our new identity in Jesus Christ, the more we realize that our deepest needs for security, significance, and satisfaction are met in Him and not in people, possessions, or positions.” -Derwin Gray, Limitless Life I have shared previously how I have struggled on several occasions with my purpose at…
-
In Another’s Eyes We Are Beautiful
You are altogether beautiful, my darling, beautiful in every way. Song of Songs 4:7 Some days just start out bad, and yesterday just happened to be one of those days. Besides the fact that it was Monday, I was exhausted, I couldn’t do anything with my hair, and since it is summer, my kids can’t…
Grace 'n Grounds
Encouragement Grounded in His Truth
Grace 'n Grounds 