“I don’t want to,” you might confess. “No?” I'd ask if we were out on a walk together. “No. I know I should, but I just don’t want to obey God in this.” And if we were actually on a walk together, you could probably continue by alluding to some specific commands and situations. And …
I Can’t
“I know what I’m supposed to do, and I just simply can't get myself to do it. “I’ve prayed. I’ve asked God for help. I’ve taken steps I’ve been told to take. I’ve waited. I’ve waited more. I’ve read books, talked to people, and still can’t get over this hump.” Oh friend. First. You should be …
It’s Hard
It’s hard to surrender control. It’s hard to forgive. It’s hard to release resentment. It’s hard to parent. It’s hard to spend more time praying for something than strategizing for it. I get it. It is hard. So very hard. It’s also hard to be holy. It’s also hard to love the Lord our God …
Haircuts, Fleas and Gratitude
Everything was going wrong. My kids were in terrible moods, I was in a terrible mood, and all day long, I kept thinking about my haircut scheduled that evening. I was going to stay at the salon forever. And then I forgot to remind my husband. I watched the clock move closer and closer to …
A little note of encouragement
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom…Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. - Psalm 90 It really is always the same answer - whether in high seasons or low, mundane seasons or chaos: stay …
Surely goodness and mercy – Psalm 23, Part 4
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow meall the days of my life,and I shall dwell in the house of the LordForever.- Psalm 23 My son’s shadow is his baby sister. I see this all the time, but recently I was sitting at the park, savoring the fresh air and sunshine, watching her copy his …
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You prepare a table – Psalm 23, Part 3
5You prepare a table before mein the presence of my enemies;you anoint my head with oil;my cup overflows.- Psalm 23 Sometimes I feel entirely unwelcome to approach the Lord. For example, if I’m worked up about something I resist turning on worship music, because I think I need to cool off and “get it together” …
For you are with me – Psalm 23, Part 2
He leads me in paths of righteousnessfor his name’s sake.4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil, for you are with me;your rod and your staff, they comfort me. - Psalm 23 “Heads against the headrest!” my dad called back to us from the driver seat. His …
The Lord is my Shepherd – Psalm 23, Part 1
1The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.2He makes me lie down in green pastures.He leads me beside still waters.3He restores my soul.- Psalm 23 My daughter wants to be a mommy when she grows up. My son wants to be a football player. And my youngest, well she just wants to be “tall”. …
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New Years for All Year – Encouragement to read through the whole Bible
We live in a world of endless resources. We have information in print and online, audio and read, free and paid, entertainment and education, tabloid and truth. It can be wonderful. And overwhelming. In a spiritual context, it is no different. We can find Bible studies, articles, sermons, commentary and blog posts for any topic …
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