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 →
Woven through the storm clouds, God threads moments of sunlight. Rays that splinter the darkness, calm the anxious heart, refresh us with rest, and touch our spirits with His Joy. This week the Master’s golden threads were interlaced abundantly throughout my life. Praise God for His glorious touches of Joy and His mercies. 763) flowers from a friend to say she cares and that she is praying 764) cards that arrive daily from friends reminding me … Continue reading →
Dwelling in His presence, there is strength for today and hope for tomorrow. While resting in Him, I couldn’t help but notice the glorious creation He had painted here in the desert. Equipped with only my meager, inexpensive cell phone camera, I snapped away at His majesty as I looked up. AUTUMN IN ARIZONA “You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm … Continue reading →
“Whatever is lovely…think about such things” “You worry too much,” my cousin wrote the words that so aptly describe the workings of my mind. Just a few weeks ago I was held captive by worry as I drove home from work, not an uncommon happening. Anxious thoughts crept into my mind and spiked on the Richter scale of patterns zigzagging across the internal screen. As I wound up the road home, the intensity of worrisome scenarios built for … Continue reading →
Sharon and I enjoying a moment at the cafe outside of her church Last weekend while I was in California, I had the rare privilege of meeting one of my favorite blogging friends IRL, Sharon of Sharon Sharing God. In blogging lingo, IRL means In Real Life. That moment captured all the excitement, fun, sharing, and friendship I had anticipated. As a way to share this moment with our readers, we’ve done a mock interview. We hope it … Continue reading →
