The tears just kept coming. As they did, all I could hear was: Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. The flood of emotion caught me off-guard. I didn’t think I had any current reason to be mourning. It seemed like things were finally shifting. Mostly, it seemed like I was shifting. … More Hope in the Mourning
It’s the most wonderful time of year! Right? For some it is, but for others … Well, not so much. For some people the holidays are hard–sometimes really hard. The reasons are varied, but people without strong ties to a supportive community (whether family, friends or both) that they actually “do life” with are especially vulnerable. Although we … More Getting Through It: Tips for Surviving the “Most Wonderful” Time of the Year
Would you end it? That’s the provocative question asked in a recent video from the END IT Movement. (Click here to see the video.) It hit home because of a couple of conversations I had just this past week. In discussing the issue of human trafficking, we were lamenting the fact that many people really … More If you could see it …
I’m over it! No, really I am. To be more precise … I’m over ME. I’m over taking myself too seriously. I’m over caring what anyone else thinks. I’m over worrying about what I do or do not have, what I can or cannot do, and what does or does not happen. I’m over wasting … More Over It!
Nevertheless not my will, but yours be done. Probably the most famous–and significant–moment of surrender ever recorded. A model for all of us. Not my will, but yours, Lord, be done. I mean those words when I say them. I’m sure you do too. I don’t want anything in my life that God doesn’t want for me. I want … More Not My Timing … But Yours
I returned from Israel a little over a week ago and I’m still dealing with a bit of jet lag induced brain-fog. While I suspect I’ll be still be processing for some time to come, I figured it was time to start sharing a few of the nuggets gained from the journey . I was … More The efficacy of doctor fish, Hezekia(h)’s Tunnel, the wise words of Wadi – and other profound revelations from the Holy Land
Just a couple days ago I was sitting on a plane returning from Israel. A huge chunk of my heart lives in Israel so returning to the States is often difficult. I’ve sometimes joked that I spend the entire plane ride back crying. Of course that is an exaggeration, but lets just say that usually … More Overwhelmed by Beauty
I wrote this about a year and a half ago, but it is even more meaningful to me now. And, if possible, even more so after these last couple of weeks in Israel.Time to come out leaning! Therefore I am now going to allure her. The invitation was unmistakable. The call to come away with him. … More Out of the Wilderness
NOTE: We’ve been in Jerusalem for a few days now so this seems like a great time for this reminder 🙂 Grace and shalom! Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure.” –Psalm 122:6 It wasn’t intended as a suggestion. But it’s also not an obligation. It’s an invitation. The idea of … More Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem
NOTE: While I’m in Israel, I’ll be re-running a couple posts from the last few years. I wrote this about two years ago, but I’m re-posting it because it goes along with my last post Great Expectations. Grace and shalom to all! This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine This … More This Little Light of Mine
Tomorrow morning I’ll be sitting on a plane headed to Israel. My heart is always filled with excitement when I go to Israel — but this time is different. This time my heart is also filled with something else … EXPECTATION. In fact, I have great expectations. But this isn’t just about Israel. For me personally, Israel does … More Great Expectations
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. –Matt. 14:28-29 I see you watching the waves and wondering … do I dare? Do I dare to risk it all? Again? … More From His Heart to Yours: 10/1/2013
A few lines was all it took. It was a “random” preview of an upcoming book written by a young man with a passionate hunger for the presence of God. I don’t know what the book is about as a whole. And I have no idea of its merit as a whole (although I suspect … More The Disconnect
Spirit awake – one with You Focus steadfast and single Heart alive – taking flight Soaring on wings of eagles Senses aware – waiting for You Eyes and ears wide open Soul alert – ready to run Cos I’m living brave, not broken This little poem is a tribute to my … More Brave, Not Broken
So, apparently Paul had this “thorn in the flesh” … We don’t know what it was. Some people have tried to speculate, but Scripture doesn’t say. I figure if the Holy Spirit wanted us to know, he would have recorded it. He didn’t. That in itself says something to me. Although I’m sure the specifics were really … More Thoughts on Thorns
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching (Mat 7:28). The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (Mat 8:27). And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowed was amazed and … More Amazed
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. –Ps. 139:17-18 I never stop thinking about you, beloved—you’re always on My mind. And every single one of My thoughts toward you are good. My intentions toward … More From His Heart to Yours: 9/2/2013
It’s time to choose a door, beloved. What? How could this be? After years of waiting, I had finally stepped through the door —the door–he had long been promising to open for me. But I heard him again. This time the Voice was unmistakable. It’s time to choose a door, beloved. This other-worldly place I had just entered … More Time to Choose a Door?
What if? It’s a question we’ve all asked. It’s a question that taunts and torments many in the dark of night … What if it doesn’t work out? What if the unthinkable happens? What if I don’t get that job? What if my marriage doesn’t survive? What if we lose the house? What if the … More What If?
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all (2 Cor. 4:17). But sometimes our troubles seem neither momentary nor light. Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly … More In Between
Cindy Powell 