Discovering the Mystery of Who I Am in Christ
(NEW MATERIAL in the September re-release! of Revealed in Ephesians~ The Mystery of Who I Am in Christ. This is from week 11 on the Breastplate of Righteousness. “How does perfect love cast out fear? The Discovery Bible’s HELPS Word-studies indicates that the Greek verb tense for “casts” is present indicative active form. This simply …
When Jonah was sent into Ninevah, he was sent with the message: "God will destroy his city in 40 days." Ninevah was a pagan city, yet the Lord sent a reluctant prophet to warn the people. God didn't want to destroy Ninevah. He didn't delight in its demise, so he sent a man of God …
So, why in the world would I show you all my dirty laundry? Well, not laundry. I would never show you that! But, why would I show you my mess? Because the Lord impressed something so precious on my heart, as I walked through the mess, stepping over wires from my husband's studio, and trying to find a square foot to set my bags down on after work. You see, I just finished speaking at a lovely weekend retreat called Revealed Retreat: Discover Who I Am in Christ. I challenged the ladies to give the Lord the deepest parts of their hearts - even the rooms of their hearts that they have shut the doors on for years. In the fight to stay positive and to keep from drowning in pain, sorrow and despair, people tend to avoid difficult conflict that arises when dealing with broken relationships and pain from the past. It's easier to ignore things and to just keep stuffing. These are things that may give us PTSD, if we decide to unpack them.
Today, in the bittersweet parting of ways with my college age daughter, I found profound perspective. I know the feeling of longing to have one more long walk, one more hug, one more shared couch with her head on my shoulder. Separation is an ache that reminds me of the relationship's tender value.
This summer, I asked God to give me a "word" for this school year we are starting. I needed a word that would embody God's plan or focus for me and a word to give me personal direction for my life. Some people pick a word for themselves. An example of this may be a …
Continue reading "Praying the Psalms~ Psalm 18 Train My Hands for Battle!"
When I was younger, I wished to throw off the chains of domestication. There had to be bigger and greater things for a woman out there than wiping runny noses, baking cakes and cleaning up after everyone's messes. I am pretty observant. I saw my mother, everyone's doormat, tucking in crying children, cooking supper and …
This deadly killer may be found in your home or in a friend's home. Many parents regularly use this on their children, and many think it is healthy with beneficial side effects. This deadly treatment has been passed down by many generations and some may even consider it a homeopathic remedy for children who are …
I just turned 40 this week. The big 4-0. But, I still remember a conversation from a decade ago that I had on my 30th birthday with my hair stylist. I took my Bible in to read while having my hair highlighted. They make you sit for like 20 minutes with those highlight foils in …
Continue reading "Praying the Psalms~Psalm 15- When Christians Hurt You."
Dear Heart, I am writing to you, inspired that somewhere out there someone else would need the same encouragement I have needed and longed for during times of brokenness. I know that no one knows how you feel, exactly. Who could know the weight of every burden and the haunting of every cold fear? But, …
Every time I get to this phase of Christmas I am so surprised at how my optimistic planning is looking a bit lackluster. I am breaking all kinds of promises to myself about what I would and wouldn't do this year. I have a smile on my face and my heart, though. I can't lie …
Continue reading "11th Day of Christmas Prayer Challenge~ The Promise of peace!"
