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
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
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
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
“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
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
My life is filled with unfinished “projects.” I’ve struggled with a long-standing streak of slothfulness. I blame this awful trait for all the things I’ve desired to finish—things I’ve started with great gusto—but failed to complete. At this very moment-I have potato salad waiting to be finished, a bag of popcorn that has not been finished,…… Continue reading One Completed Task
The question was light-yet poignant. Our speaker, a dear mentor and friend, asked this question as she held up an adorable pair of cow house shoes. She went on to explain that the night before she put them on for the first time. One slipper felt great…but the other, huh. She couldn’t comfortably get her…… Continue reading What’s Stuck In Your Shoe?
rubble: waste or rough fragments of stone, brick, concrete, etc., esp. as the debris from the demolition of buildings. Broken bits and pieces of anything, as that which is demolished. Whether from a natural disaster or an accident, it makes no difference. Owners return to the site of the disaster and search for anything of…… Continue reading Sifting Through the Rubble
My first vivid memory of selfish behavior was in first grade. The classroom was dark-we were supposed to be outside playing. I crept into the room and went straight for my teacher’s desk. There I found the small box containing paper boy and girl cut outs. I quickly shuffled the cut outs around until…… Continue reading Umerited Favor
Alyssa DeLosSantos 