Sitting alone and crying was my new normal. Grappling with my “status” consumed me and I didn’t like any of it. Of all the hard things in my life, this was definitely the worst. Divorce was not unfamiliar, but it knocked the wind out of me when it became my descriptor. My silent hopes and dreams fell…… Continue reading Shipwrecked by Status
Today we gathered around, opened the ancient holy writ, and leaned in close. There’s no way to plan for these moments because there is no telling what will populate as we begin sharing our insights and experiences. Today was no different. As we began a bible study homework discussion, we somehow managed to find…… Continue reading Current Tensions and {Potentially} Sticky Conversations
4,380. I am not a numbers girl. Numbers are only important to me in terms of the temperature and percentage off sales. I wish I was kidding. I’m not. Last night, that changed a bit. I was invited to speak at a local ministry that has a transitional living center for homeless families. I spent…… Continue reading 4,380 Days of Waiting
I don’t know about you, but I am quick to qualify and disqualify myself in many arenas. If I think I know more on a subject, I’m eligible to speak. If my thoughts are shaky on a subject, I’m more likely to shrink back. I have sidelined myself more times than I care to admit…… Continue reading Are you Eligible?
Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God. John 12: 42-43 {NIV} These verses are a gut punch…… Continue reading Faith Requires Movement
The rains have been as consistent as the rising and the setting of the sun {even if not visible in this region this week}. Sitting down for quiet time, raindrops pelting the window lulled me with their consistent rhythm. I entertained a few thoughts about when the rain would end, and the possibility of needing…… Continue reading An Angel, a Promise, and a Long Awaited Answer
He waited by a healing pool. He had been lame for 38 years. Scripture tells us that when Jesus saw him and knew how long he had been ill, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?” At first glance the question seems driven by sarcasm. Of course he would want healing, right? Maybe…… Continue reading A Valid Question
Automatic headlights are annoying. I’m convinced they are evil. I’ve had several experiences where a car is blinding me with all the brightness. I’m not talking about cars a mile or more behind me-either. Just last night, while my daughter was driving home, the chap behind us compromised our ability to see with all the brightness. Not exaggerating…promise. Without…… Continue reading Are You a Creature of Habit?
In the garden of life, weeds are inevitable. Many times on my journey I’ve found myself walking in the fairy tale mentality. Are you acquainted with that line of thinking? In that place, everyone is kind, nothing tragic happens, and your life is filled with a lot of lovely, happy endings. Because this is a…… Continue reading Collecting Moments That Matter
We gathered in a circle to pray over the women that would be the recipients of the piles of donations collected. Purses, shoes, sweaters, belts, and toiletries filled the space around us. The prayers offered were thoughtful and heartfelt, but as the time of prayer tarried, I had a growing conviction. While I could hear…… Continue reading Giving out of Excess Isn’t Equivalent to Sacrifice
Alyssa DeLosSantos 