NOTE: I first wrote this a couple of years ago (here is the original post). It is, by far, the most shared and discussed thing I’ve ever written (which took me by surprise because it is so deeply personal). I’m reposting it and did a corresponding live video this morning (link below) because I think … More The Arising: A Call to Creatives and Contemplatives
Some things are worth the wait. I have visited Redding, CA many times. During many of those many times, I have desired to visit Burney Falls, about 65 miles northeast. Sometimes, I couldn’t fit the trip into my limited time in the area. Other times the weather didn’t cooperate, and it was either too hot … More Timing, Trust, and Triumph
Another year is almost in the books. Well, it is almost in our books–it was recorded in heaven before the foundations of the earth. In fact, before we took our first breath, He knew the number of our days. He knew every thought. He knew every decision, every triumph, and every heartbreak. I don’t know … More Moving Forward
T’was the night before Christmas And all through the house Not a creature was stirring Not even a mouse I finally sat down With a cup of steaming hot tea To ponder the beauty Of what this season truly means Christmas hasn’t always been The easiest of times Deep loneliness and pain Often left me … More This Most Holy Night (a “Night Before Christmas” poem)
“May we never lose our wonder May we never lose our wonder Wide eyed and mystified May we be just like a child Staring at the beauty of our King” -Amanda Cook Childlike faith. Wonder. Simplicity. These are concepts we like to discuss, but rarely prioritize in our lives and faith. Spiritual maturity is a … More May We Never Lose Our Wonder (MMM w/video)
I just wanted to decompress for a couple of hours. Instead, I got ambushed by the Holy Spirit. Things have been busy. Last week, I had a couple hours free and decided to go to the movies. Movies are a great way for me to check out for a bit. If I watch one at … More It’s Not Over Until It’s Over (MMM with video)
NOTE: This was originally published last week on the Extreme Love Ministries blog. If you aren’t familiar with ELM, you should check them out HERE. It was a rough couple of weeks. There was so much happening, on so many fronts, it was hard to even keep track. Jesus Himself said, “In this world you will have … More A Sacrifice of Praise (MMM with video)
There is so much more I want to tell you but you can’t bear it now.” I want to ache for what He wants to say, more than I do for what I need to hear. I want to be as aware of His longing and desires, as I am of my own. I want … More Wanting to Want More
David was having a bad day. While he and his men were away, his town had been destroyed. All of the women and children—including David’s wives—were captured and carried away. His own men blamed him and wanted to stone him. Ever feel like that? Like everything you care about has slipped through your fingers? Like … More Strengthen Yourself in the Lord
Romantic whimsy and steely determination Etched upon her face A beautiful gown flowing gracefully Over the combat boots on her feet With compassion in her heart Iron in her soul And a spirit aligned with His She is a lover ready for war Her Beloved, the Captain of Angel Armies The Lord of Hosts Eternally … More The Warrior Bride
Livestream, V-logs, Facebook Live,YouTube, FaceTime, and a million other types of insta-video have become a staple form of communication in our day. It’s all very commonplace and normal for today’s generation. But for someone who is, ahem, more “seasoned” in the journey of life (simple translation: a bit older) the new normal in communication can … More Finding Your Voice (Monday Morning Musings V.3.0 with video)
Lord, I know You’ve heard my cries for “more.” But honestly I’m not sure what more even looks like, let alone how to apprehend it. But I do know You. And I know You still have my yes. You still have my trust. If I need to believe hard enough, pray long enough, declare loud … More A Prayer for More
I have a lot on my mind. There is much I’m chewing on and pondering. I have a lot of questions. Maybe you do, too. But when I’m in that place…that place where nothing makes sense…that place where I feel like I need answers…I need wisdom…I need direction…I need the next steps…I need to know … More Held by Eternity
“Panic and anxiety NEVER advance the kingdom of God – even if attached to prayer. Prayers of faith are what move heaven and earth. When you panic it is because you are seeing too much of the enemy and not enough of God. Be careful what you focus on. Be strategic in what/who you magnify.” … More Magnify
The song Endless Alleluia by Cory Asbury makes my heart ache … in all the right ways. “In the morning when I rise to meet You In the morning when I lift my eyes You’re the only One I wanna cling to You’re the first thought on my mind.” You, Jesus~ Only You You’re the … More Joining the Endless Alleluia
Hineni Here I am Here I am with You Here I am before Your face Here I am before Your throne Hineni Here I am To whom shall I go? You alone have the words of eternal life Hineni Here I am Here I am again Here I am gazing up Here I am where … More Hineni
Abba, hold me Please, just hold me Hold me close- Close to Your heart I don’t want to try to say the right things I don’t want to try to do the right things I just want to be me The real–uncensored, unfiltered–me Here with You I don’t want to try to convince You That … More Away From the Noise
In Your Presence, there is …no hurry …no stress …no striving …no worry …no fear …no confusion …no lack In Your Presence, there is …only peace …only rest …only restoration …only clarity …only grace …only love …only You “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your … More In Your Presence
I saw it happen over and over again. Years ago, when I worked for a large missions organization, I loved to watch our missionaries head out to their long-term field assignments filled with fire and passion—certain they would see God move in mighty ways. What I didn’t love so much was watching many of these … More Embracing the Journey
Everything is better Your way, Jesus Your ways are always perfect You are always consistent Always present Always filled with love and compassion Even when my heart tries to plan its own way You direct my steps Even when I disconnect from my truest self You never do You never lose sight of me It’s … More So Much Better Your Way
