I took a swing at Jesus this morning. As I do my best in not condemning me, nor the Him that is inside of me, IS me, I catch myself asking Jesus, “So how is this going to work?” The ways I’m already beating myself up today I’m noticing, but I’m unsure as to how […]
Truth
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” -John 8:32 A girlfriend called the other day, and said she had been compelled to share this verse with me. She said that I will know the truth, and the truth will set me free. Interesting timing as I work through the […]
Burn the ships
I’ve made some pretty major life decisions over the last year, and I find myself being questioned on occasion about if I’m being too ambitious, or if I’m perhaps over-reacting to the life-situations that have come to a head. For years, I’ve thought I was irrational, hypersensitive and overreactive, causing me to question my feelings, […]
Vines and Branches
I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in […]
One Body
Work has felt all-consuming lately. I feel like I’ve lost sight of my most-important goal: People. First. Always. So, today I asked God to help me put people before my job again, to show me if it was okay to leave this job to regain my soul. In answer, He sent the girl next […]
The power of “No”
Yes. Typically easier than a “no”, usually feels good to say, and for years it’s been tripping me up. I’ve found that I’m not all together clear on what a healthy “yes” is anymore, nor when to give one…but I’m learning. I’m learning I don’t have to give an immediate answer; I mean, where in […]
It’s gonna be better
This morning I found myself praying to God that He bring me back to the place I was before, where I’d felt so connected and in community, serving my purposes intentionally…filled with His joy, my strength. The quiet response was something I’d considered in passing prior, but needed to revisit. The last few years have […]
BUT
“Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing. But at your word I will let down the nets”…and they came and filled both the boats…”do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching (wo)men.” Luke 5: 5, […]
Shaming into action
It can’t be done. I mean, it can, but it’s not effective long-term and in the end everyone loses. The desired behavior may be demonstrated for a while, but eventually the shamed individual will exhaust themselves in all the striving, or perhaps never try to begin with, the shame being so heavy. You don’t know […]
Where are you really?
Last night I had this image in my head as I fell asleep. The Lord graciously allowed for me to recall it, unpacking during prayer time this morning. I’d laid there fretting over my present challenges, attempting to convince myself there was nothing to do about any of these things before morning. I one million […]