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
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
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
Her words were timely. My week had been difficult {read as super crappy and therefore emotional}, and the envelope she slipped in my bag remained buried for a few days. When I reached in, and subsequently pulled out the envelope, I was eager to open it. I had been dancing on the edge of quitting for…… Continue reading Quitting Everything and Faulty Thinking
This is the final installment in the “Hope Collective” Guest Post Series. I do hope you have enjoyed hearing the voice of some of my For the Love book launch “tribe”. These gals are some of the most courageous, loving, and inspiring women I should have never known {read about how we met here}! I consider this…… Continue reading Battle Scars: Guest Post by Aundi
Meet Kelly! She is a fellow For the Love book launch team member, new friend, counselor, writer, speaker and teacher with a passion for the poor and hurting in her community. Read more about her passions and journey at http://www.kellyjohnsongracenotes.com. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Hi, my name is Kelly and I am a West Wing addict. I have spent the last…… Continue reading Cynicism vs. Hope: Guest Post by Kelly
Alyssa DeLosSantos 