Over the years I’ve found myself repeatedly pouring out pieces of myself hoping to be fully seen and known…and still loved “despite me”, as though I had to “sell” the best parts of me in order to be accepted with all my “bad”. I’ve found that the pieces of me revealed in confidence (and if […]
We’re what He’s baking
Being present is something I feel the Lord impressing on me lately. He’s Omnipresent and I’m made in His likeness. He calls me to be present in relationship with Him. Any future planning should always done with the understanding of “Lord willing” as we were taught in James, as He ultimately orders our steps. And, […]
Before and Behind
You’ve heard me suggest focusing on loving well instead of sinning less. When you’re loving well, you quite literally cannot sin. I relate to Paul in so many ways, and I’m grateful God chose to expose Paul’s struggles. I’m thankful Paul demonstrated authenticity when begging God to remove the thorn from his side, and lamenting […]
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 […]
Try Harder v. Try Again
Falling. An inevitable and critical aspect of “trying”. So many have fallen after making great efforts, and are so discouraged, they never get up and try again. Yet falling is a part of the process. If it weren’t an expected part of the human experience, God wouldn’t have had to send Jesus. The world might, […]
I wanna help!
People pleasing. Makes me shudder thinking about it because it’s been an absolutely exhausting part of my existence. 43 as I type this and I’m tired. But I’m also, for the first time in quite some time, excited. My Father has been walking me through a tough season, and is showing me parts of myself […]
Childlike
Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. -Matt 18: 3-4 Track with me here. It is good to want to please your Heavenly Father. Praising and glorifying Him is literally our #1 job, […]
Sufficient
Sufficient. It seems to hold a negative connotation and even so, some days I don’t feel even that. I don’t feel like I can sufficiently explain myself. I don’t think I can sufficiently do my job. I don’t think I can sufficiently be in healthy relationships. And my personal favorite: I’m not sufficient to do […]