Counting the Ways God Loves You
3 Disciplines of Hope
It was around this time, seven years ago, that I found myself in the midst of an agonizingly hopeless season. It was the two year anniversary of when my infertility journey began. I remember sitting across a restaurant table from my husband, discussing my thoughts on the new year and grieving the absence of the child we so desperately wanted. But, I shared with him that I had chosen a theme for the new year – the theme of hope. This theme encompassed my hopeful desire to become a mother, along with focusing on Christ as my hope. My struggle throughout this difficult season was when those two hopes would get out of alignment.
Deeper Waters
I confess that I cannot do life on my own. I’ve tried and it doesn’t work out for me.
In my time alone with Jesus, I’ve been reading about being so close with Him that it seems we are sitting side by side. That’s when He imparts His heart, His wisdom about my life. That’s what I want. I desire to be so close with Him that He can whisper and my ear will catch His next step for me.
Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full
Have you ever read the title of a book and thought the book was probably written just for you? Treasuring Christ When Your Hands are Full: Gospel Meditations for Busy Moms by Gloria Furman was that book for me and it did not disappoint.
Refusing to be Busy: A Call to Less
Have you ever had an “out-of-body” experience? I did a few years ago, and it caused me to examine my life in a new way. One morning as I was passing by some friends at church, we began to engage in the familiar small-talk exchange. “How have you been?” After a brief sigh, I replied “Busy.” I paused. It was as if I was watching myself in slow-motion; from the moment that tiny word left my mouth, I wanted to somehow snatch it out of mid-air. Busy? Is that who I am!? Is being busy how I define myself and describe my life?
One Size Does Not Fit All: How To Use Your Wiring To Better Connect With God
Have you ever tried on a piece of clothing with a tag proclaiming “One Size Fits All,” only to find that you look absolutely ridiculous in it? I usually look like a short and squatty 50-something woman who is 9 months pregnant. Not a good look! Just as “One Size Fits All” doesn’t work with clothing, it doesn’t work with connecting with God either.
Keeping Christmas All Year Long
What’s on God’s Christmas List?
My office started a tradition last Christmas season. This will be the second year to unpack our three precious porcelain Wise Men figurines and place them by the manger. The nativity will be complete with farm animals, an angel somewhere, a shepherd or two, and then the three focal characters of Mary, Joseph, and the sweet baby Jesus Christ. Such a precious scene.