Listen. . .I’ve been accused of being an optimist. I believe it. I don’t see the cup half empty. I don’t see it half full. I see it running over.
Isn’t that a great thing, you might ask? Yes, but sometimes I need to step back. Because my cup half running over just might get in the way. (more…)
When you don’t know what to say, say nothing
Have you ever struggled to know what to say? Perhaps a friend is going through a divorce she didn’t ask for, or she just received news that she is struggling to comprehend.
Twenty years ago I found out I had cancer. Many friends rallied around me, making life easier.
But I also remember fielding comments from a few that brought me to my knees–literally.
They cared. I knew that, but because they didn’t know what to say they said things like this: (more…)
In the “wait”I’ve been waiting for over four years for something. At first I asked why.
No answer.
Then I tried to make it happen on my own.
To no avail.
Doors closed one after another. (more…)
Slowing it down long enough to “abide”
“Can you come to a party?” someone asked.
I checked my calendar and realized that every day between now and Christmas (except for that day) was already filled.
I thought when my kids got older and left the nest that life would slow down, but it hasn’t! In fact, at times it feels like it’s gone into warp speed.
Family pulls one way, and I love those pulls and tugs. Deadlines refuse to go away, and I’m grateful for the work. Responsibilities demand their time, and I juggle, though I try very hard to practice balance.
But what I know can slip away in the busy times is my time with God. I feel that gentle pull right now. I talked with Him today while I put up the Christmas tree. I sent up a quiet prayer for a friend going through an incredibly hard time. I thanked Him for an unexpected blessing.
But we are created to be alone with Him. To push everything aside, if even for a moment, and close ourselves in. And the funny thing is, that while I desperately want and need that, I just keep pushing on, filling that time with other things.
The Bible calls it abiding in Him. (more…)
Names of God
I don’t use my blog very often to talk about books or resources—unless I think they are so awesome that they’ll impact you or they’ve done the same for me.
I just received a Names of God Bible, and I just have to share it with you.
How many times have you reached for God, knowing that He is exactly what and who you need, but not necessarily knowing in what way?
Maybe you need peace (Jehovah Shalom) or provision (Jehovah Jireh) or you need healing (Jehova Ropheka). These are only three of many character traits or names that God calls Himself in scripture, and this Bible shows you all of them. And it does it in everyday language that brings the scripture to life.
If you know me, you know I love God’s Word and believe it has the power to absolutely change you and me.
So today I just want to stop for a moment and share that if you are searching for a great Bible, I think I’ve found one that you’ll love.
I hope you’ll check it out.
Tree speak: How God helps us growIf you came over from Encouragement for Today, welcome!
Yesterday I carried off two large sections of my butterfly tree and set them by the curb for trash pickup. The wind had hit my house hard the night before, and evidently it swirled around my front porch, creating chaos.
“It makes me sad,” I told my husband. “I loved that butterfly tree.”
I received more joy from this one tree than anything else in my garden. All spring long butterflies and hummingbirds flutter around the clusters of lilac flowers that grace the tree. When I walk along the sidewalk the fragrance of those flowers greeted me.
“It’s still alive,” Richard reminded me. “You lost a large section, but it’s still standing.”
I looked back at the remnants of the tree. It was fractured and misshapen. Winter has hit and the green leaves were silvery and the flowers dormant.
But I will nurture that tree back to health. Taking away the dead branches is the first step. Next I will feed the roots, mulch them, and shape the remaining branches. It will not be the same tree, but I expect next spring it will bloom as beautiful as ever. And with the dead and weak branches pruned away, it will flourish. It won’t look the same, but I am excited to see what emerges.
In my own life, I do not look the same as I did 30+ years ago when I fell in love with my Savior. (more…)
