Belief · Faith · Grace · Hope · Love · Uncategorized

Fish Tales and Parasite Problems

You shouldn’t ask us to fish-sit. We are not reliable. We’ve had 3 (count them aloud 1, 2, 3) beta fish that are no longer. Don’t laugh…let me explain.   Beta fish number one: his name was Rico. He was adopted into our family when I married my husband. Our big kids were young and just…… Continue reading Fish Tales and Parasite Problems

Faith · Grace · Hope

Broken, Leftover Pieces

I stared at the giant, broken Lego set and secretly hoped to find a way out of “repairing” it. Although I didn’t have a hand in its original creation, I previously performed emergency surgery. With this particular robot, or machine, or {who knows what it is}–parts just seemed to consistently fall off! So, I did…… Continue reading Broken, Leftover Pieces

Grace · Hope · Uncategorized

Mentality of More

Maybe it is familiar to you… Maybe it haunts you at the grocery store, when you park your car… Maybe it confronts you as you scroll through social media, or when you look at your bank statement…   The nagging thought that you just don’t have enough: friends, money, job opportunities, space in your house,…… Continue reading Mentality of More

Grace · Hope · Love

Even Though

Even though…it’s my new favorite phrase.  When used as a conjunction, it strongly emphasizes the contrast between the two connecting phrases. My study last week revolved around the life, calling and promise of Abraham. He was called to go to a new land and then given the blessing of being the conduit of God’s blessing to all the people…… Continue reading Even Though

Community · Grace · Hope · Love

Tiptoeing Toward Vulnerability

Intimacy frightens me. Being brave–being vulnerable–sharing weakness—no.way.  Exposure is scary. Trust is required and I have not been super adept in that department. Beth Moore, in her study Living Free, refers to the “be strong, be independent” philosophy that was authored by satan. The one that sounds like, “no, I’m fine…I can manage this on my own.” Self…… Continue reading Tiptoeing Toward Vulnerability

Grace · Hope · Love · Uncategorized

Five Minute Friday::Nothing

In the quiet place I recognize my empty hands…my weary heart…my dried up spirit. On my own, separate from the Lord, I have nothing. He substantiates me, redeems me, fills me, graces me and wildly loves me. My independent, stubborn heart likes to believe I have all I need–moreover, that I am all I need.…… Continue reading Five Minute Friday::Nothing

Grace · Hope · Love · Uncategorized

Not Your True Enemy

Her barking is not uncommon, in fact, it’s her initial instinct in every situation. This morning wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. I sat at the table enjoying my tea and reading…and she went outside and began barking. Something told me this wasn’t her ordinary exchange with the pesky squirrels, or random cat in our…… Continue reading Not Your True Enemy

Community · Grace · Hope · Love

A Flooring Confession

Don’t ask my friends, they will exaggerate.  They will tell you it’s 2-3 times per day, but they are wrong! I confess–I do obsess about my floors, and in turn sweep them often.  In my defense, dark hardwood floors show EVERYTHING! A few times a week I cave in and clean them. I do. No…… Continue reading A Flooring Confession

Grace · Hope

A Beautifully-Rewarding Challenge

“Read the Bible in 90 days”, they said. “It’s going to be great,” they said. “Just read, don’t try to cross-reference,” they said. And I said, “are they crazy?” No, I said YES! Y’all-in order to read the Bible in 90 days-you have to read 12 pages a day. That seemed easy enough. Ha!  Reading…… Continue reading A Beautifully-Rewarding Challenge

Grace · Hope · Love

Moving Beyond Martyr

When traveling on an airplane with small children, the flight attendant reminds parents to place their own oxygen mask on before helping the children with theirs. They agree, but in reality do they really anticipate a need to follow her instructions? Maybe not. I would listen and agree-when I traveled with my children—but I never…… Continue reading Moving Beyond Martyr