When You Just Want to Hide the Hard

This past weekend I planted 7 large bushes. Digging the holes ‘bout killed me. I was determination to get through all the roots, rocks, and clay. I jumped on that shovel like my life depended on it. Wrestled those shrubs out of their buckets and into my hard-fought holes. Filled back in the edges with… Continue reading When You Just Want to Hide the Hard

Be Who You Already Are

I was sharing with a dear friend some hard things that were happening and she texted me this, “God will provide abundantly and be your Bridegroom. He is King. Be His beloved.” Gentle but powerful words that went straight to my heart.  In those words I heard, “Be who you already are.”  I am Beloved.… Continue reading Be Who You Already Are

Fidgety

On a recent afternoon, my youngest daughter and I took a walk by the river (above picture). It was beautifully serene and peaceful. My chest ached with a longing to be that peaceful…to be quiet inside. I shared with my daughter how I longed to feel the way the water looked. She said, “Momma, why… Continue reading Fidgety

Following the Conductor

There is a rhythm to life now. Although I’m still a tad awkward, I think I’m getting the hang of it. My life like a musical score with all its high notes and low notes and harmonies and minor clashes and key changes…it’s beautiful in its unpredictability and challenging in its complexity. Still, it is… Continue reading Following the Conductor

Advent, a Little Doubt, and A Lot of Prayer

Photo by Ryutaro Tsukata on Pexels.com

Because maybe in grasping truly what He went through for us, we, as a family, can grasp how our lives fit into a grander plan. How enduring difficulties doesn’t reveal a lack of love from God but rather reflects God’s love. He loves us enough to allow hardship for holiness, and pain for a purpose, and seasons of seeming silence for bountiful blessings beyond. 

Grateful and (a little) Stressed

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.  Romans 15:13 This morning barking dogs disturbed my semi-peaceful slumber…at 4:15 am.  Sometimes I wonder why sleep remains so elusive for me. I found myself asking God,… Continue reading Grateful and (a little) Stressed

“As Is”

I once heard someone say that God takes us “as is”. Recently I was looking to replace my oven and I visited the ReStore to see if I could find a used one. The only one I found said “As-Is” and I immediately thought, “Nope.”  I have enough trouble with brand-new appliances, I’m certainly not… Continue reading “As Is”

When You Don’t Know What to Do

I often think about my life and wonder why I haven’t been blessed with a Jane Austenish peaceful life. You know sitting in a quiet room reading Shakespeare sonnets, writing letters, or sewing doilies and such… waiting for my tea and cucumber sandwiches to be delivered. Instead of sitting daintily on my lounging couch, I’m… Continue reading When You Don’t Know What to Do

My Agenda for Strength

I’ve been trying to get strong. Physically. Mentally. Emotionally. Spiritually. My arms are still the same ones that wiggle when I wave. I’m still forgetting stuff. I’m still a bit emotional about things that I could probably let slide. And I’m still working on letting God handle things without so much input from me. My… Continue reading My Agenda for Strength