Not everything about Christmas is mistletoe & holly, or sugar & spice. Sometimes the season brings dashed hopes and broken hearts. We may have recently lost loved ones, or have broken relationships, or family that live far away. Our celebrations can feel bittersweet. So how do we hold on to hope when our hearts are …
Well… I guess I’m going deep today. The verses that Holy Spirit have been bringing to mind are not the kind to tickle your ears. They are the kind that hold up a magnifying glass. If you are just starting to get to know God, this post is not a place to begin, but it …
We had a guest pastor this Sunday and though his sermon was about prayer and a very good sermon, it was some opening comments that struck me. He said he loved the body of Christ, and even if it can be a challenge, we should too. He pointed out that even among the apostles, Jesus …
If you’re driving around in the country right now you may recognize the background I used. It is of cottonwood fluff floating on the breeze. It is also the vision that God gave a sister-in-Christ for me at the women’s retreat I attended this weekend. It was a picture of how God was going to …
After returning from a singing competition I attended with our diverse women’s chorus, I mulled over the things I shared about my life and faith as the opportunities arose. I love getting to know people on a deeper level and I’ve learned that if I’m open to sharing my life, I need to remain a …
This is simple Christianity. When Jesus was asked by a Pharisee what the greatest commandment was, he didn’t hesitate to answer: He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like …
In honor of Mother’s Day, here are my thoughts from my life as a mother. Being a mother is the most challenging, frustrating, worrisome, heartbreaking, combative, disappointing, grueling, and intimidating role I’ve ever undertaken. While at the same time, this experience has brought me more joy, love, pride, care, companionship, friendship, happy memories, and family …
All things are permitted, but not all things are of benefit. All things are permitted, but not all things build people up. 1 Corinthians 10:23 NASB2020 Do you have sticky things in your life? Things that fall into the margins? Maybe they don’t fit what we think of as sinful, but we know they aren’t …
Do you ever feel like you’ve blown it when it comes to relationships? I feel that way a lot. But what I’m coming to understand is how I respond to people as an HSP or Highly Sensitive Person. I feel what people feel and that can be overwhelming. Let me give you an example that …
You are not enough. This thought surprised me. After all, isn’t it the social trend to teach us we are enough? But when the Holy Spirit suggested I take a look at these opposite concepts, I was amazed. The first thing I felt was peace in knowing I am not enough. Why? Because in knowing …
The Far Reaches of Grace 