The Road to Emmaus
"God, if You could speak to Moses through a burning bush, could you please do the same for me?” I can't tell you how many times I have prayed that prayer...A burning bush, a visitation from an angel, I have always longed for a GRAND encounter with God. And in my forty year journey with the Lord, guess how many burning bushes I've seen? Zero. It’s not that God is ignoring me, He's not. In His infinite grace and wisdom, God has still shown up in undeniably big ways...just not through a burning bush, but rather through a burning heart...like
The Answer in the Mess
Recently I was praying for motivation to clean my closet. Strange thing to pray about, I know. But my closet had become a dumping ground for many random things, and I’m embarrassed to say that it had not been cleaned out in years. One day last month, I was talking to my friend on my drive home from work. I told her that my closet had become an eyesore to me, but I couldn’t find the motivation to clean it. I also told her that I started praying about that specific need. It may seem silly, but I
Poetry
I became an author in second grade. In fact, I wrote a series of books... in pencil and bound by staples. The main character was a girl who was bullied, and the series, containing about 5 or 6 books, discussed the various challenges she overcame at school. I have always loved writing, and for a minute, wanted to be an English major in college. My poetry skills, however, are not quite polished. "Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are you" is probably the furthest I can go. So the other night, when I couldn't sleep,
The List
For all of my single friends out there - do you have "The List"?? You know, the one that includes everything you want in a spouse... :-) Lance & I recently had the opportunity to talk to a group of singles (the recording is available on the Whispers & Fringes page) and he discussed this infamous list. He encouraged them to re-evaluate it and break it down into 3 categories, including "critical" - what is non-negotiable? I wanted to continue that discussion and share what I feel like are 3 critical components to have in a spouse. This
Praise God
Good news? Praise God. Not-so good news? Praise God. Yes, you read correctly. I know, it makes sense and in fact, it's easy to praise God when all is well with the world: The man of your dreams has popped the big question. You're pregnant. You've been offered a dream job. But to praise God: When your spouse expresses discontent in the marriage. You're told that you can't have a baby. You have been let go from your job. Sounds like crazy talk, right? I know that's what I was thinking just last week when my heart was feeling heavy
Good Counsel
Have you ever ignored advice from someone close to you who had your best interest at heart, but you wanted nothing to do with it? Maybe you had something in mind and you really wanted to do it your way, and so ignored the counsel of someone older or wiser? Or maybe you really believed that things would turn out differently for you than it had for others who had walked a similar road? I know I’ve been there. And I remember feeling like there was either a generational gap or a cultural gap that made me think that my
I Googled It…
Have you ever googled something you should have been praying about? I am ashamed to say. I have. And it wasn’t that long ago. My head was spinning, my heart was heavy and I was at a complete loss for what to do. It involved people...and drama (which I try to run from...but couldn’t). So I did what I do when I don’t have the answers....I googled it. “How to handle uncomfortable situations...” As soon as I hit 'search' and began scrolling, conviction set in..."Really Binu, you’re googling this?” I could hear God’s still small (but stern) voice say to
Is It My Turn?
I was at the Department of Public Safety (DPS) office last week....for 7 hours. Six and a half of those hours were spent waiting....and waiting... with about 500 of my closest friends. We all tightly clutched our tickets, with the same tired expression, hoping our number would pop up on the screen. Hour #1: I was naive. By hour #5, I was a pro. I managed to eat a burger, visit the ladies room, and claim a seat for my sister and myself in record time. I figured out the DPS’ pattern. It wasn’t an easy 1,2,3 system. They somehow
Not Now
She wanted hand sanitizer. (Click on the picture to see the video.) My niece, Sophia, had seen her parents use it at home and now she wanted it too. When my brother-in-law, Sam, wouldn’t give it to her, she proceeded to try to get it herself. She isn’t tall enough to reach the counter but that didn’t stop her. Sophia found the step stool and and somehow managed to move it herself. When her first attempt didn’t work, she repositioned it and tried again. This was one determined little girl. But all of her maneuvering and strategizing didn’t work. Let’s just
God’s Goodness
I have struggled with seasonal allergies for over 30 years. Sneezing daily is a part of my morning routine. On many days, congestion and sinus pressure join the fun and I am left feeling debilitated. Unfortunately, there are moments that I simply lose my joy. I may have had such a moment just this morning. I found myself at a pity party that I tend to attend during such occasions. Then, I read Psalm 34 in The Passion Translation. It was written by David after running away from the king as described in 1 Samuel 21. Can you imagine the
