Stay on the Path
As a child I hated hearing that word “obey”. When my parents used it, I felt like they were trying to hold something back from me and control me. It felt unfair. It felt like something I wanted to rebel from. But as I grew older, I saw that my parents were actually loving and protecting me. My immature mind could not see it. But as an adult with children of my own, I completely understand why obedience is necessary. As I am reading through the Old Testament, so far I continue to see a common theme throughout. God is
A Team Huddle
The photo you see wasn’t planned or staged. In fact, my husband’s parents didn’t realize I was even taking a picture. They were staying with us the week of Thanksgiving, and when I walked out of my bedroom each morning, THIS is what I saw. A team huddle. I am not an athlete. Never have been, probably never will be. But as a mother of two boys who lived, breathed and played basketball from first to twelfth grade, I have noticed one thing- every game started and ended with a team huddle. In the huddle, the coach would go over
Wise words
We were sitting in the back row of the church, deep in conversation. Since service had ended about an hour prior, the pews had emptied out and it was just the two of us. I was in my early 20's and she was in her early 80's. A sweet, beautiful woman with gray and black hair and deep brownish gray eyes. She was encouraging me to find a husband. I told her I was trying. I was not offended at all. In fact, I was so used to the, "So when are getting married?" question that I had a list
He Stands at the Door and Knocks
In reading the book of Revelation recently, I was struck by a verse I have read so many times before. But this time it hit differently. “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (Revelation 3:20 NIV) To give a little context here, Jesus is talking to the 7 churches in the book of Revelation. He didn’t mince words when he spoke to each church specifically - pointing out the good and also where they needed
Trust Transforms
As I look at this picture of my firstborn as a toddler, a flood of memories comes back. My greatest challenge as a parent in that season was navigating between dependence and independence. In my eyes, she was just a baby. Therefore, I felt inclined to do everything for her while she resolved that she was a big girl and determined to do everything herself. I was overwhelmed with worrisome thoughts: What if she dropped something? What if she got hurt? What if she made a mess? Then, the thought hit me: how would I even know if I didn’t
Intentionality
As I made my way to work over the last several months, I came across a billboard that was borderline inappropriate. When I knew the sign was coming up, I made a conscious effort to avert my eyes to avoid looking at it. It wasn't easy because it was a catchy ad, strategically placed near MY exit, and the sign was massive. The marketers knew what they were doing. If I wasn't intentional, I could easily get drawn into the message behind it- and it's not a good one. Most days, I'm exhausted after work with dinner preparation looming
Trusting Him
I vividly remember a season of my life when I had a real crisis. During this season I fasted, I prayed, I came into agreement with God’s word and with others, and I went to every prayer meeting and Bible study there was. I really believed God’s word, and I had a faith that could move mountains. I don’t think there was anything that I did not do to try to get my prayers answered. But God did not answer me in the way that I had hoped. During that season I had a decision to make. Was God still
Time for a Change?
I don’t know how 2023 was for you. Maybe it was a great year or a year you would rather forget about. Personally, it was one of those years when I knew it was time to eliminate a thing or two that no longer belonged in my life. You see, I tended not to react well when things went differently than planned. I struggled with anger doing the talking for me. For example, when my husband and I spoke to an audience, I preferred that we were focused and stuck to our material. However, my husband has a sense of
The Uninvited Guest
We were at my sister’s house. It was time for our annual extended family holiday get together! Lots of family, lots of food and lots of fun!! My son was playing the piano located near the entryway of their home, and a few of us were gathered around, enjoying the music, waiting for guests to arrive. {THIS is where things get crazy} As the first set of guests walked through the door…so did an unexpected intruder. A BIRD! Yes, I said A BIRD! This uninvited guest darted into the house and flew straight to the top of the chandelier high
Silence
We were not in agreement. And that was okay. In any relationship, there will be a difference of thoughts and opinions. We won’t align every single time. But you know what I’ve learned the hard way? The beauty of silence during a disagreement. There’s a high likelihood I’ll mess up and say something I’ll regret when emotions are high. Yes, I need to get things off my chest, but doing it when I’m calm makes for a peaceful conversation. The Bible gives us some advice: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen,