When the week threatens to drag you away from center~Jesus. When the circumstances throw you to the edges so that you seem like a foreign remnant of your old self. When it seems your life has been sapped from you and you just want to throw the covers over your head. When you can’t find a breath from the Spirit within to give you the passion to write: Remember: “Give thanks to the Lord, for … Continue reading →
To be the kind of person who would have the determination, drive, ability, and persistence to walk into another person’s life and make a powerful and positive difference was the deepest desire of my heart. Even before Jesus had come knocking on the door of my heart, I thought I could do that if I just did not give up and continued to encourage and lead that person into a new and hope-filled life. To live the … Continue reading →
There’s nothing like time with your girlfriends to invigorate your life. Even the head of psychiatry at Stanford University a few years ago told students that the healthiest thing women can do for themselves is to spend time with their girlfriends “nurturing” their relationships. It helps relieve stress and enables us to cope with difficult circumstances in life. That together time actually affects our brains to release serotonin–a neurotransmitter that uplifts our moods. This scientifically explains … Continue reading →
“The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.” Psalm 24: 1&2 NIV In God’s creation, the crashing waves thunder and the mountains speak. I hear His voice call to me. And there in His creation, I am surrounded by His peace that stills my soul. My heart overflows in worship for My Creator. Everything … Continue reading →
Sunrise Across the Arizona Sky “Lord, order my steps today. Make me strong, not for the sake of possessing strength, but to make me sufficient for the crisis moments in my life and in the lives of others who reach out to me.” These words inscribed on a tiny, glossy strip of card stock sit on my placemat at the kitchen table. Each day I have the opportunity to read these words and be reminded of how much … Continue reading →
We had looked forward to this time for months. With our son having left for boot camp only two weeks prior, we knew that a few-day visit from our friends would be the perfect pick-me-up for our droopy spirits. But as the time approached, I felt myself sinking into a deep pit. Son had not called or written–my heart breaking while other Moms reported glorious words from their offspring. Energy levels plummeted with the mood. I looked around the … Continue reading →
He is my Rock in turbulent waters “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 NIV A few months ago it would have been difficult for me to see the truth of God’s promise here even though it has been underlined in my Bible for probably years. I was so caught in the grip of fear and anxiety that I allowed it to take over God’s promises in His … Continue reading →
Dear Amy, When the latest blow of pain sliced through my heart like a knife, you stood beside me with your ever-present gift of comfort and tender sensitivity to my words and hurt. But your face registered a look I’d never seen before, and it sent a wave of tremors through my insides. You looked Stunned. Shocked. Incredulous. Twenty minutes later as you moved around the room, you said, “Wow. I’m just having a hard time comprehending this. Two … Continue reading →
Along the hiking path The airplane ticket had been purchased during the long weeks of silence and wondering. I knew that I would need to escape the walls that closed in around me every weekend. A full week of Spring Break would either provide rest or more turmoil. I wondered, though, if distance, a change of environment, and time spent with my best friend could really grant me the peace I sought from the thoughts that assailed me. Hiking … Continue reading →
The Empty Tomb stained glass inside the chapel at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s Church “But now, this is what the Lord says–he who created you, O Jacob (fill in your name), he who formed you, O Israel; “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you … Continue reading →
