Sometimes what looks like a mess is the unfolding of a gift of hope. The image I captured this morning at the kitchen table might appear like a pile that needs to be organized to the person outside of my story. What you don’t know is that all of the books surrounding me have changed…… Continue reading Hope Unfolding
Unexpected storms offer fertile soil for insight and breakthrough. Although we were on Spring Break, we knew snow was a distinct possibility, so waking up to a blanket of white was a welcomed surprise. Boundaries once created with the silhouette of hedges, were now transformed by the layer of fresh snow. The pathway to our…… Continue reading Bent Low to Stand Tall: A Strange Way to Save Us
The experiences in our lives–both good and bad–serve as mile markers along our journey–they are not THE destination, but they point us toward our destination. Our successes and abilities are not the sum of our hope, identity, or purpose. If we make any of these mile marker experiences our final destination, our identity is negotiated.…… Continue reading The Impact of Perspective
Most of my life, I have struggled with worthiness. I have lived with a silent fear of missing out and not measuring up. From this fractured, false foundation, I attempted to earn my way into the heart of others and God.Just saying that sounds absurd, but when I look at my behaviors and decisions over…… Continue reading Moment of Truth Monday: Worthiness and Faith
The Greek word for fix, used in this scripture, means to look away from all else. In other words, to trust Jesus as the supplier of all our needs means we will stop turning to false substitutes. My dog knows what she wants, but she also knows who will help her with what she wants. When she wants eggs, she doesn’t go to my bathroom and stare at the bathtub. She stays in close proximity to the one she knows can deliver the eggs to her bowl. Her attention is affixed; her expectations are high. Oh that we might be like my dog! I know that is a strange statement, but I am here for it. I want to keep my attention fixed on the One I know can help. The substitutes always leave me empty.
I’ve been writing this post for over three years by simply living out the story. This may have been one of the most difficult posts to put into actual words. For anyone weary, wondering, or wandering, pull up a chair and find strength in the middle of the mess. My attendance was routine. My allegiance…… Continue reading Refined by Trials: A Personal Dismantling Story
Welcome to a new three part vlog series! {vlog=video blog} Each part of this series is roughly six minutes in length. That’s about the time it takes to check in on social media, curl your bangs, or warm up a frozen meal. While I know we are time poor, I hope you’ll invest six minutes…… Continue reading Porch Pondering Part One: Transplanting
Today’s letter unveils a story I’ve had the privilege of watching over the years. It was written by the man who sees all my meltdowns, mess-ups, and smells my morning breath. Eww. This is part of my husband’s story that takes a peek behind the curtain of his public life. He graciously and reluctantly, agreed…… Continue reading Dear Dad
I grew up in church. My earliest memories include my dad leading acapella worship and my mom doing everything from preparing communion to leading Vacation Bible School. We didn’t live near extended family, so the people occupying the pews were our family. I’m not sure I was ever able to accurately discern the difference between…… Continue reading Confessions of a Church Shopper: What I’m Learning in a Season of Wandering
My body was exhausted. The weekend stretched me beyond my comfort zone, and it was only Saturday morning. The words pouring out of the presenter’s mouth pulled me further into discomfort. “She chose a better story.” He spoke of a family concerned about their rebellious child. They lamented because they had done everything to provide…… Continue reading Choosing a Better Story
Alyssa DeLosSantos 