The Big Picture
When I decorate cookies, I start out feeling excited as I envision the final product. I work with laser focus on the finite details of each cookie. Hours later, as I stand back and look at my finished work, there’s only one thing I see: the imperfections on a few. Let me rephrase that: I zero in on the decorating that does not appear as pretty as I would have liked. Because of the few messed up cookies, I decide that the entire batch is ruined. I lose sight of the project as a whole which really did turn out very
The Toothbrush Test
Every night, after prayer time, we dismiss the kids to do their nightly bathroom routines. As we sit in the living room and wait for them to come back, we hear every bit of conversation between the two of them that happens in the bathroom. We hear the toilet flush, water turn on, singing, arguing... My son has an electric toothbrush. So, as they begin to brush their teeth, you can hear the whirring of it as he turns it on. My daughter, who is younger, has a regular toothbrush. One made for kids- you push a button and it lights
Grab your Water Bottle…you are now entering the Desert!
Do you ever wish deserts had warning signs as you enter in? I do. Maybe a flashing red light or a yellow sign suggesting it's time to grab your water bottle....just a little hint that a dry and weary land is up ahead. Unfortunately, no such signs usually exists. Emergencies are just that. Sudden and immediate, with no time to mentally prepare yourself. One minute you’re making plans to pack for spring break and the next minute you’re packing for a hospital stay. Just. Like.That. My family entered the desert. In Deuteronomy 8:15, we read “He led you through the
Got Doubt?
I remember after joining a group several years ago, my husband and I were asked if we would think about serving as leaders. My immediate response was, “No.” When asked why, I had a few good excuses ... I mean reasons: “We’re too busy. We’re not ready.” I think that’s an answer most of us can relate to, right? Nevertheless, we eventually agreed to assist the leaders which seemed easy enough. Then, we were asked to lead the group and the responses in our head included: “But we have small children. We have differing passions. Surely, there is someone more
Can I Have What You Have?
Have you ever had the very people that give you trouble ask for your help in their time of need? I’ve seen this at work in my own life. Throughout my career, I’ve had to deal with difficult people who seemed to dislike me without even giving me a chance. For whatever reason, I could not do right by them no matter how hard I tried. But I saw those same people drawn to me, asking for my help and even my advice in their own personal lives. I believe that it’s because they can see that there is
More Than Enough
I got my first paycheck when I turned 21. Since my parents would not allow me to work before I finished college, it was after years of sweat and tears that I finally got to feel that check in my hands. It felt great. All of my young adult life, my father had taught me the importance of tithing, so when I received that first paycheck, I knew it didn’t all belong to me. In fact, from what I recall, I gave away all the money from that check. And it wasn’t painful. I knew that it was only by
He Is…
As much as I love living in Dallas, we are definitely not known for our scenic landscape. But this particular night, as I worked late into the evening, I stared outside a little bit longer than usual. Behind the usual view of parking garages and office buildings, I saw the most beautiful colors light up the sky. I thought to myself… “Wow, God...You are amazing.” Little did I know that just a few hours later, my world would be turned upside down. I got a call around 9:30 p.m. from my mom who said she was taking my dad to
Speak a Blessing
Over a year ago, our founding Pastor transitioned out of his position and named his son as the senior Pastor. What was most profound for me about that moment was the blessing he spoke over his son. He declared words of life over his future and then, passed on the mantle with powerful prayer and anointing. What a special moment that was to witness! I imagine the moment must have felt the same as Jacob blessed his grandsons Manasseh and Ephraim in Genesis chapter 48. He embraced them and spoke over their future. Then, Jacob blessed his sons. As they
Just a verse…
Just wanted to share this verse that has been rolling around in my spirit for the last 24 hours. I know that I'm not the only one who needs to hear this today... "And we know that God causes everything to work together[ for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." (Romans 8:28) I love how it says "We know", as if we remember this all day, every day, in every circumstance. And the verses preceding this one: "And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t
My Mirror
I don’t know about you, but I don’t particularly care to look at myself in the mirror. I see my imperfections … every single one of them … and I feel unhappy. Yet, seeing those flaws helps me decide how to address them. When I saw my first gray hair, for example, I just yanked it out and I felt better :) I have another mirror that sees me for who I really am: my husband. The past several weeks have been filled with circumstances that just left me feeling emotionally weary. Day after day I simply went through the
