I am sitting on a porch across from a body of water. The wind blows fresh air and the fog begins to lift, the sun begins to stream in and the clouds that were covering the warmth of the sun begin to move across the sky, revealing blue heavens. Peace abounds in that moment, yet the world falls to chaos.
On my phone, TV and across the world, people are full of fear and panic. This virus that is moving across the world has so many concerned and fearful. It has already had its affects on so many aspects of life, plans and vacations have been cancelled, grocery store shelves are emptied, events are being cancelled.
We are not a fearful people, but hopeful. Peace rules our hearts, because it is times like these where what we preach and declare makes its way into how we truly live.
One of my dearest friends introduced me to the idea of asking, “Where’s your red dot?” In other words, “Where are you at?” Where are you at spiritually? Where are you at in your marriage, motherhood, quiet time, and all the other craziness of life?
I find myself having to make lots of decisions.It’s that time of year, I suppose. Decisions have to be made such as which classes my children should take, curriculum choices, what activities should they pursue and all the things that surround those choices. It can be quite overwhelming and I get anxious and feel very inadequate for the tasks set before me.
I walk into the laundry room. Towels have erupted all over the place. I’m days behind on the monotony of wash, dry, fold, put away. The sink has dishes piled up. Each of my kids are needing something from me at the same time. I feel guilt wash over me…It’s all so messy and busy and weary.
A few years back I was lost. I had forgotten who I was, what made me the person I am. I forgot what I loved and what I needed. I was so consumed with trying to survive life that I wasn’t living life. I was overwhelmed with all that I thought I was suppose to do.
How to Throw off Obligations and Embrace Grace
I am standing at my back patio. It’s a windy night. The strong, cool breeze pushes against me as I breathe it in. The night is bright, a full moon is directly above me as scattered clouds hasten across the sky.For months I have been in a funk.Engulfed in a myriad of fear and doubt, insecurities and uncertainties.I’ve been bogged down by the noise and every time I have desired to rise, life manages to sucker punch me. Oh nothing out of the ordinary is occurring in our lives...from the outside in we are happy and healthy and fine.Yet, in the past few weeks I have been made aware of the fact that I have been wasting away. This crankiness, sour disposition and even bitterness has crept into my soul and has even plagued my relationships, my desires and mostly my faith.What’s going on? Nothing.Yet, you know how people say that attitude is everything...well, maybe they are onto something.As I stand out in the cool night I realize all of this life…it’s a gift.
Sharing Truth in a Noisy World
I’ve put aside this blog for a few months because, to be honest, I had nothing to say.I felt a little overwhelmed, a little insecure and well, I was totally flailing. I hadn't heard much from God and really, I wasn't listening. I was too busy. Too tired. Too undone.Plus, there has been so much noise. Unfiltered sounding gongs. I honestly haven't wanted to contribute to the noise. I haven't wanted to use my voice or words and I fell into believing the lie that more words were useless and they didn't matter. Who wants to hear about my little struggles or lessons or motherhood fails or desires? The world has been on fire in every aspect and so what difference does my life make in any of these things.And so I have been quiet.
To My Parents on their Anniversary and 5 Ways to stay married for 36 Years
There was never a question in my mind of you not staying the course.I know things were not always easy or perfect or certain. I know your relationship has walked through pain and heartache, rejection and fear. Yet, here you are standing stronger today than ever before.While I was growing up I got to watch you both grow up together. And being the observant, introspective child that I was (mostly I was nosy) I actually got to see into the heart of your marriage.
How to Make these Holydays Perfect
The Christmas season can be so full and busy. Stressful. In the whirl of advent and Christmas, holiday parties and shopping, the season becomes something to get through instead of to rest within.The days go by so quickly and we are constantly checking off to do’s, running for that last minute gift and our lives are set to the timer on the oven.How does one find rest and peace and beauty and joy that surpasses all the craziness?
The Refugee Crisis and the Church - Stop Talking and MOVE
I may not have an answer. All I have is what I know to be true. I know my family was changed because of the love shown to refugees by the Church. I know people more than anything desire to be free. I know people desire to be safe. I know people desire to be loved.Maybe instead of talking, arguing or giving lots of opinions, why don’t we take this opportunity and really be the hands and feet of Jesus.Imagine what the church could do if we put aside our talk of this crisis and instead we moved on behalf of this crisis.