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Recent Posts . . .
when it's time to be done
People say it’s in the quiet where we can most easily find Him. Not because He is quiet. Not necessarily. Not because He is calm. Not consistently. But because the distractions come fierce and loud. And our hearts—fragile, on their own—need Him to pull us back to the beginning, the pure place, with Him.And yes, I think this is true.Jesus, we need you.Grab hold of our hearts and bring us to You.
your one practical step toward Jesus this Advent
I tell them I've been running. Running and running and asking God to keep up. And it is tiring, depleting.Of course.Especially during this Advent season.Jesus, help us prepare You room.
taking back surrender
Surrendering might be the most difficult thing. True surrender--the kind where you feel powerless and empowered at the same time. Powerless because everything you've believed, everything you've fought for and were convinced about, is being laid down. Empowered because surrendering is, in fact, an action. No one can force us into it. No one can make us put up our hands and wave a white flag, even if we convince ourselves we are out of options.Surrendering is an act of will. Our will. Despite obstacles, challenges, hurdles where we can't imagine a way through, surrendering is still a choice, a way forward.Surrender doesn't have to mean a step back.
the bright light of our testimony
A friend asks me a question that makes me consider my story. She knows it; I've told it to her, leaving nothing out. She worries that the sharing of my story might make a person more anxious, more worried about sinning themselves.I am confused. Conflicted. No, actually . . . I am none of those things. . . I am resolved.The story of God's rescue of us is beautiful. It is what makes us beautiful.
beautiful desperate
"You are not the forgotten one."I hear it--a statement, simple enough, from a Father who pursues. He wants this truth to sink in deep this time. He wants me to believe it: Achievement does not make any person more worthy of love."You are not the forgotten one. You are the chosen one."Oh, Father. Take this heart that doubts your truth. Kill it in me. Give me a new heart. Help me deny the temptations of this world.Yes, something in us has to die to make room for God's truth.
Look up, my darling, look up.
When I hear Him, this space I’m in, at this plain wooden table, this window with the cobwebs at the corner of the metal screen, this soft rumble of washing machine, this smell of wet dog near my feet, I study the room, looking for clues for what is different.
All is different? No, all is the same.