I went to bed sad last night. Sadder than I’ve been in a long time. That is saying something because there has been an awful lot of “sad” going around lately. It was just the straw that broke the camel’s back. I felt helpless. Like no matter how I (we) pray, no matter what steps … More Choosing Trust
I took quite a fall the other day. But in my weird and wonderful life, sometimes the things that happen aren’t just things that happen. Instead, God often uses my specific circumstances as metaphors to give insight into things happening on a broader scale. On the morning of January 6, I went to see a … More After the Fall (it’s going to be okay …)
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV There is a lot more going on right now than meets the eye. Many of you are aware of that. The things that … More Seeing the Unseen
Ever felt like the little engine who could? Slowly, painfully, trekking up a steep hill. Not sure if you’ll make it. Not sure if you know—or sometimes even care—what’s on the other side. You just know to keep putting one foot in front of the other. You just know to persevere. To keep believing…I think … More The Little Engine Who Could…Did
There are a lot of things I am not: I am not a particularly gifted person. Heaven knows, I’m not a very together person. I’m not super popular, or charismatic, or thoughtful, or giving, or an “everybody-wants-to-be-around-you” kind of person. I’m not filled with extraordinary revelation, or amazing spiritual insights. I’m not crazy creative. I’m … More The Underestimated Superpower of Showing Up
This is the third time I’ve posted this particular piece. However, it is the first time I’ve posted it with a new picture of a literal door, leading to a literal space, filled with the presence and promises of God. When I first wrote this back in 2011, I had no idea just how prophetic it … More (Always) Worth the Wait
“Thankfully, there is one other possibility, and that is that God has actually given you a supernatural grace to live opposite your circumstances. Have you experienced this type of grace from God that allows you to live in the peace of knowing you are obeying Him, even when those around you don’t understand?” -Bill Johnson … More Lessons Learned Under the Umbrella of Grace
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
This past week, my heart wasn’t feeling very brave. My faith didn’t seem particularly steadfast. And, honestly, my soul was down and discouraged. But sometimes you just gotta tell your soul what to do. So I did. In fact, that’s what I’ve had to do a lot in recent months. I’ve had to tell my soul exactly what it will and … More Take Courage
“Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you.” – Matt. 7:7 (Amp) “…men always ought to pray and not lose heart.” –Luke 18:1 (NKJV) “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” –James … More Persevering … in rest
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!
Originally posted on Deeper Waters:
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.”…
Walk with me, beloved. I took his hand and we began walking down a brightly lit corridor. Almost immediately, I saw a large red door. This must be it! The door he promised to open for me! I stood waiting with anticipation. I just knew that door would open any minute … It didn’t. … More Worth the Wait (Still)
Words. They can be so simple. And they can be so complex. They can give life, hope, and inspiration. They can also bring death, discouragement, and destruction. James says the power of life and death is in the tongue. I believe it! (And not just because it’s in the Bible.) I believe it because I’ve lived on both sides … More Words
I should probably issue a warning right about now. Before you read any further, you need to know this isn’t going to be a “typical” post for me. I’m feeling pretty feisty and I’m coming out swinging. I’m sick and tired of hell’s schemes on this planet. I’m sick and tired of playing nice. I’m ruffled and I’m riled. But … More Indignant Faith
The corner of the coffee table was digging painfully into my knee. My left arm was completely numb. My right arm, contorted at an unnatural angle, was well on its way to the same state. My neck was stiff; my back and feet ached. I was beginning to sweat … No, I wasn’t engaged in a torturous … More Uncomfortably Close
I had been sitting on the shore soaking up the sun for long enough. It was nice on the beach. I had everything I needed to be content and comfortable–a soft blanket, a protective umbrella, great books and great food. I even had a lot of great company. Together we basked in the warmth of the sun. Together … More The Wave
“For you, normal would be a tragic loss of potential.” The words came from a strange source–a television show I had never seen before–but I knew their true Source. I had been musing about what it would be like to embrace a nice “normal” life. You know–be content with a nice little job, a nice little … More When Normal is Over
We’ve all seen the reports in the sports section. An athlete competes in a race and achieves their “personal best.” It’s not a world record. It’s not usually even a regional record. Sometimes it’s not even a school or meet record–it’s just that particular person’s best effort to date. And because it is that person’s … More Personal Best
“Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” –Luke 5: 4 Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing … We’re tired. Can’t you see we’ve done everything we know to do? We did our very best. We worked hard. We used our gifts and abilities. We gave it our … More Nevertheless …
