“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” proverbs 18:21 I remember one of the most hopeless seasons in my life. I felt despair at the thought of living through another day of uncertainty and sadness. I couldn’t imagine trying to put on a happy […]
It usually happens during a week that I feel the most vulnerable and overwhelmed. My husband says something like, “I think we should have an open house after church on Sunday.” I’ll instantly think of all that will need to be done to make that happen. I admit I’ll also get the vulnerable feeling in […]
SMH Are you familiar with this acronym for “Shaking My Head”? “SMH” is an Internet abbreviation trend used for shaking your head to express disappointment. I don’t often shake my head at people I’m disappointed in. Well…wait…maybe I do that to my kids when they disobey me! I’ve probably used the acronym for it a […]
This past week, I held a random drawing for two newsletter subscribers to win a copy of The Turquoise Table by Kristin Schell. Congratulations to Madeleine and Kathy! I must admit, I don’t own a turquoise table! I’m also in the midst of moving and rehabbing and I’m a mess! I do have a bit of […]
“Being present and listening is the foundation to hospitality.” -Kristin Schell “Listening is a form of spiritual hospitality by which you invite strangers to become friends, to get to know their inner selves more fully, and even to dare to be silent with you.” -Henri Nouwen “Are you consumed with a busy life but unsure […]
I’m revisiting my dream of writing and reminding myself of the truths in this old post from last year… Do you have a dream? God has made you and molded you in your life circumstances for certain gifts, longings, desires and passions. Often times, these stir in our hearts and minds for years and months […]
Last week I wrote about journeying with The Good Shepherd and how all that we really need is what we already carry around with us…Jesus. I asked the question, “Am I really free to dare to pursue adventures with Christ…dangers and all?” And of course the answer is yes. I…we…are really free to dare to pursue Christ…and […]
Not too far from my house there is a patch of woods that runs along a bluff overlooking the Missouri River. It’s in a place that is quite special to me. To get there you have to enter a cemetery. I grew up not far from this cemetery, so going there is like revisiting my […]
I want beauty in my life. I want it to be in the form of refreshment for myself and others. I want to see Jesus more in my life. I want the Jesus ripple effect. I see it play out in chapter seven of the second book of Corinthians. This beauty and refreshment released in the […]
Each day of Vacation Bible School this summer the children tossed spare change and dollar bills into the wicker basket. Little hearts and hands moved to do something in response to what they were learning and now know. That 200 women are forced into slavery a day in India. And that isn’t even the […]
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We weave thick vines in and out of and around our circular, amateur base to create a decorative ball. Soon, solar lights will be added to make it a visible yard ornament for the dark fall and winter nights that stretch ahead of us. It seems to be an illustration of our friendship. By now, […]
Do you ever feel ashamed or disappointed that you have lacked faith or confidence in God…or even doubted Him? Our doubts, lack of trust, or weak faith may tempt us to think our faith isn’t strong enough. Let’s look at some scripture passages that might encourage us – even if our faith feels small today. […]