Archives

The Measuring Sticks of Self-Worth

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

Last summer my daughter turned down every opportunity to go down a water slide. She allowed the fear of the unknown to hold her back. I was so shocked and proud when she had her first chance to try this summer. She boldly marched up the two flights of stairs and made her decent on the winding slide. I have never seen such bridled triumph true to her stoic personality. She repeatedly traveled down that slide with confidence!

Read More…

Reflections in the Night: Shadows and Light

“He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night…” Psalm 91:4-5a

One night from a deep sleep, I was awoken by bright light. Standing at the doorway of my bedroom was my two-year-old son with his hand on the light switch. I told him to turn off the light and crawl in bed with me. He snuggled up close and whispered in my ear, “I scared of da shadows.”

Read More…

Proverbs 31 Woman with a Martha Mentality

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

I have felt so torn lately. So many plates to spin. I have various areas of ministry I am involved in along with responsibility of being a homemaker, daughter, mother, and wife. I see other women who accomplish so much and think, “When do they have time to surf Pinterest too?” Anytime I stop focusing on one aspect, another falls apart; hence the pile of clothes in the laundry room. Sometimes I get caught up in trying to be a Proverbs 31 Woman with a Martha Mentality.

Read More…

Even Though

Hebrews 11

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. Hebrews 11:8

Have you ever felt as though you have had a calling on your life, but not sure how to execute it?

Have you been standing still because you cannot fathom how it will all work out?

Do the questions of the unknown paralyze you?

Read More…

Five Minute Friday: Close

I love the challenge of Five Minute Friday. Lately, I haven’t had time to participate, but I carved out some time this afternoon, because I have missed it. If you are interested in joining in, head over to Lisa-Jo Baker’s website and check out the details. In a nutshell it is hundreds of bloggers, one-word prompt, five minutes of unbridled writing.

This week the topic is “close”.  Ready…set…go!

Read More…

What is Your Mission Field?

We are all called to ministry.  Called to be the hands and feet of Jesus tending to the needs of those in our lives…the whole person…both physical and spiritual.  I can make a list of those to whom I am called to minister.  There is my husband, my sweet children, my Bible study group, my friends, my co-workers, my students, my neighbors, my barista….etc. But this spring I had the honor of a special assignment: minister to a missionary.

Read More…

Digging Into the Word {Issue 1: Pride}

Digging Into te Word: Pride

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2

If we are all honest, we would admit that we struggle with the issue of pride in one way or another. I remember in college sitting with one of my Bible professors, Dr. Ken Neller, and asking him if I would get over my struggle with pride. Fast forward 15 years and I am still wondering the same thing.

As I have walked through Beth Moore’s book Praying God’s Word: Breaking Free from Spriritual Strongholds, I have learned so much about pride.

Read More…

Sowing Seeds of Encouragement at the Ice Cream Shop

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.

When I walked into Braum’s, I saw her sitting in the corner.  She had that familiar look on her face.  You probably know the one I’m talking about.  Desperation had lead her to indulge her kids with a sweet treat of ice cream just so she could sit in crowded solitude for the five minutes it took them to eat it.

I have been there too!

The momma heart in me wanted to run over, hand her a $100 bill that I didn’t have, and tell her I would watch her kids while she went out and got a massage.

Read More…