“I NEED my coffee. If I don’t get it, I’ll be a grouch, and I'm exhausted. I’ve got to have it to keep going.” I heard myself say it. The words pricked my spirit. The Holy Spirit quickly reminded me only Jesus could give me joy and peace and energy for my day. What was I doing substituting a quick fix instead of Jesus' endless supply of ...
It is not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God. 2 Corinthians 3:5 (CSB)I don’t remember the first time I felt it. It could have been in the third grade when I was the last one picked for the kickball team. Or maybe when I opened my mouth to sing like my musically talented ...
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV) The call to follow God's example, to walk in love, can be a tall order at times. Walking in love takes more grace, more mercy, more love ...
This is me with my dad. He always wants to take a picture of us looking at each other so people can see that I get my profile -- my Italian nose -- from him. But what I really want you to know is that this man, my dad, Sam Elliot doppelgänger, is the one who has loved me unconditionally since I took my first breath. Many of you know my mom’s ...
This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 (ESV) Be honest. Are you tempted not to read this because the title is just a little too perky or trite or cliché? I get it. Sometimes I'm not having any of it either. But I've sensed the Lord nudging me to sling a little joy your way, and maybe this one is for ...
She sat at the table staring out the window, waiting for me to get my coffee. Her eyes were distant when I slipped into my chair, and I sensed something was wrong. "Renee, how do you do it? You seem like you love being a mom and I feel like I'm sinking. I have no idea what I am doing." It was the beginning of a vulnerable conversation and a ...
It’s one of those nights. Tossing and turning. Pulling on the blanket. Throwing off the blanket. I’ve already prayed, writing in my prayer journal – actually a three-ringed, thrift store notebook. It's a nighttime ritual that usually yields sweet sleep, but on this night? Halfway through, I’m still wide awake, avoiding the clock, knowing it’s ...
“Numbers two, nine, and eleven, you have advanced to the next round. Thank you to every else for traveling in for the audition. Have a good day.” Although I’d memorized my number, I looked at the piece of paper in my hand just to be sure. Three. Not chosen. I closed my violin case, put on my thick winter coat and boots, and turned to ...
“Why didn’t you pursue a career where you could make more money?” The question came from a relative over what had thus far been an informal dinner gathering, and all of a sudden the room grew awkwardly silent. I looked over at my husband, and he was now putting down his fork, same as me. I knew his mind was racing as much as mine was on how to ...
Our family will visit the cemetery today. Someone from the American Legion will hand us poppies. The pastor will say a few words to those who've gathered. And then, we will bow our heads for a moment of silence. No one will speak. The air will fill with birdsong and the sound of flags flapping in the breeze. In that moment, I will pray as I ...
