Warm desert breezes mingled with the fragrance of citrus blossoms. Normally, I would be standing in our yard inhaling the luxurious scent from our orange and lemon trees but this year, the heat is driving me indoors, robbing me of a springtime joy. My spiritual life mirrored this perplexity in nature as a time of rejoicing in the Lord was clipped by the rising temps in my surrounding circumstances. Evil was making its move to rob me of the joy the Lord … Continue reading →
“Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.” Romans 4:7-8 ref. Psalm 32: 1-2 NIV An overcast sky greeted a normally sunny spring day in Arizona. My friend and I chatted as we left our Zumba class. The subdued sky was a welcome sign to us. It was Good Friday and the whole desert mirrored the heavy hearts that stood at the cross that … Continue reading →
I long for this time of year where once again I steal into our backyard to inhale the aroma of springtime. The orange tree decorated with its pristine white blossoms beckons me to breathe deeply of the hope wafting through the air on the season’s scent. While I linger close enough to be covered in its aroma, I remain a safe distance from the busy, hard-working bees. While hope dances in the promise of these blossoms, hope is also found … Continue reading →
It’s a soul-searching journey. A dive into the heart of the matter. If we are earnest in our seeking, it will take us on uncharted paths to uncover what really matters to our heart.We may discover that “idols” lurk beneath the veneer of our lives and we have fooled even ourselves. What is that one thing or person that I crave to fill my deepest needs? Is it Jesus? As Christians, we will answer quickly that it is He. But … Continue reading →
“Jacob’s Dream”, a sculpture at Abilene Christian University, Texas draws one to the Light breaking through the sculpture that forms a cross. “You see, at just the right time, when we were powerless, Christ died for the ungodly…”Romans 5:6 NIV So often we hear Scriptures about Christ’s love for us even before we were saved but like words we’ve heard so frequently, they fail to register with our hearts. Yesterday, the Scriptures in Romans 5:1-11 struck a … 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 →
West Coast Redwoods The East Coast is only a 3 hour time difference from the West Coast but they are worlds apart. The East Coast is steeped in history–for that is where our country began. The West Coast is often referred to as a youngster–immature, fun-loving, lacking in traditions, and somewhat disrespectful. The pride of the East rests on its cultural offering, its sophistication, formality, experience, knowledge, and wisdom. After all, the seat of our government is there. International … Continue reading →
Sliding across the soft leather back seat of our friends car, my emotions bounced between guilt and giddy. I was driving away from our home with chores still hanging on my “to do list” and no dinner prepared for my young guys. Not that they can’t find something in the frig to cook. It’s just the “Mom Guilt” nagging my mind. Yet, the spontaneous pleasure of an evening with hubby and our friends, escaping from responsibilities like a carefree … Continue reading →
It’s not a pretty subject or a popular topic for speakers. Few audiences would plunk down their dollars to hear even the most renowned Bible Study teacher present a sermon on “taking up your cross daily and following Jesus.” While it might not be a crowd pleaser, it is a crowd freer. “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34 NIV I just … Continue reading →
For five weeks, Christ-followers have been Meditating. Fasting. Praying. Preparing. Intent on emptying themselves. Longing to be filled with the one who gave His life for us. Lord, I have come to this time, not really prepared. For one Holy Week, all eyes are riveted on the rough-hewn beams that held our Salvation. We recline at the table of the Last Supper. Feet washed by our Savior. The bread and wine. His life to nourish our hungry spirits. Strengthen us … Continue reading →
