Uncategorized

Take Them To Church

We sat on her living room floor drinking tea, playing with her two toddlers, and catching up on life. Kim, a new wife and mom, had been a college student in our church ten years prior to this reunion at her new home in a different part of the state. She had become a Christian… Read More Take Them To Church

Adorning the Truth, Sabbath, Summer

Six Months Later in September

One month went by, and then two and three. Now it’s been six months since I wrote anything here. In over ten years, I’ve never let anywhere near that much time go by here on this little blog. I think it’s because when so much time passes, you just don’t know where to start. It’s… Read More Six Months Later in September

Adorning the Truth, Wonderful Womanhood

Why I Admire Martha

Confession: I admire Martha. Yes, the same Martha who was “distracted with much serving.” (Luke 10:40) The one Jesus gently rebuked for being troubled about unnecessary things. The woman who, in her bitterness, missed out on “the good portion” of sitting at the feet of Jesus. (Luke 10:42) You know the one – Mary’s uptight… Read More Why I Admire Martha

Abiding in the Vine, Grace, Identity

Fragmented Fullness

I knew they were there, but being away from home and church and relationships and responsibilities have brought them more sharply into focus. Busyness distracts us from a lot of glaring things, I’ve found. Constant activity means I don’t spend as much time asking God to search me, know me, and bring them to light.… Read More Fragmented Fullness

Abiding in the Vine, Sabbath

Sabbatical So Far

Hello from North Carolina! We’ve been here three weeks now, and while we have definitely had periods of rest and quiet in that time, there has also been plenty to keep us busy. It’s really the perfect mixture so far. I posted the above pictures taken last Sunday after church, because they sort of reflects… Read More Sabbatical So Far

Abiding in the Vine, Ministry

Birthdays, Brides, and NC Bound

Just after I turned 40, I memorized parts of Psalm 71 as part of a Scripture Memory Challenge hosted by Beth Moore. I chose these particular verses, because they so specifically outline who God has been and what He has done in my life. Though they feel like they were written just for me, I… Read More Birthdays, Brides, and NC Bound

Abiding in the Vine, New Year

True New Year Renewal

Somehow, as a family of five (with a steady stream of houseguests), we’ve managed to live in a house with only one bathroom for over sixteen years. In 2018 we decided to change that. It wasn’t really a resolution for the new year, but it was a goal of ours to transform a dingy basement… Read More True New Year Renewal

Family Life, Holidays

Home For Christmas

I just dropped four family members at Boston’s Logan airport after five full days together. It was such a gift, and I’m trying to treasure and ponder it all in my heart, since as an elder at my church said on Christmas Eve, “These times are few and far between.” He also had the gift… Read More Home For Christmas

Abiding in the Vine, Advent

Advent Joy: Thinking On His Flesh (And Not Mine)

85 year old country music legend (and fellow Texan) had this to say regarding the life of the mind:  “Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.” ~ Willie Nelson While Willie may rely on some herbal help with a happy mind, his ideas about the thought life are not… Read More Advent Joy: Thinking On His Flesh (And Not Mine)

Advent, Holidays

Advent Hope: Waiting For That Day

A friend called on Wednesday. The first words out of her mouth described the death by overdose of another friend’s 23 year old son – a bright and capable college senior. Our already difficult conversation was interrupted by another call. It was my friend’s own daughter, whose choices against God are causing a great deal… Read More Advent Hope: Waiting For That Day