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
So often I can’t understand the struggles of my fellow man. I try to sympathize with my friend that struggles with eating habits, but because I’ve not struggled with that myself, my efforts feel somewhat forced. Another friend is highly allergic to an everyday food and I give my sweet expression, “I can’t imagine,” without…… Continue reading It’s Time to Break Up With This Phrase
I have a legit obsession with old doors and windows. When this love affair started I can’t say exactly, but it’s deeply rooted. My eyes are drawn to 8 paned windows, old barn doors, and discarded shutters. If within my sight, they are in my hands and I’m examining the paint while considering all the lovely uses…… Continue reading When Life Leaves You Unhinged
One of my favorite past times is listening to stories. I like the stories that send you in a laughing frenzy and those of heroic adventure, but I’m most drawn to those I’m entrusted with, who find a space at my table. The tenderness in their voice always draws me in a little closer as…… Continue reading The Lost Art of Telling Stories
I’ve been studying prayer this month. It’s been both encouraging and challenging all at once. When I took some time to examine my motives and habits in prayer, I realized it’s not uncommon for me to just present requests for my needs. Then this poem, not my usual style of writing, emerged from a parallel…… Continue reading Blurred Lines {Not the Song!}
John 4 captures one of my favorite interactions in the Bible. If you’ve never read it, I urge you to invest a few minutes and do so. The story centers around the town well and includes Jesus and a woman from Samaria. Historically speaking, Jesus {because he was a Jew} should not have had anything…… Continue reading Leave Your Water Jar
A common thing I hear from others is how my honesty is refreshing. I’ve even been called, wait for it, normal! There really is a first time for everything. I could have dismissed the feedback- except it was a repeating theme. When one person gives you a compliment, it’s easy to write it off as…… Continue reading Honesty in a World of Illusion
The New Year is ushered in with hoopla and fanfare. It’s tradition. Stay up later than appropriate {hello over 40 talking} and begrudge the headache you nurse throughout the first hours of the new year. I don’t care much about staying up to watch the clock hands move from one year to the next. I do…… Continue reading Resolved to Surrender
It’s unknown how the fire started. The house was on the market {and vacant} when the fire broke out. There’s some speculation about vagabonds and drugs, but my thoughts were consumed with the homeowners. Yes, it was an empty house, but it was someone’s house. Loss is loss. The house sat quiet, with no activity,…… Continue reading Trust the Process
She did not choose this struggle. If she had been given the option, she would have taken a pass on watching her daughter live with a chronic illness. Since she didn’t have a choice, and she was thrust into this situation, she has chosen to lean into Jesus and walk courageously. She is my friend,…… Continue reading Unexpected Miracle…Joy
Alyssa DeLosSantos 