The light of dawn is almost imperceptible at first. The darkness hangs like a weight, distorting the familiar world around…
Grant Me a Quiet Heart
Grant me a quiet heart, unfettered by the worries of the world.Help me to remember that I have never been…
The Bible is a Special Book
I remember watching my aunt teach a children’s class once and being struck by how she introduced the Bible story.…
Things that Cost Us Time
“We run into trouble when we try to do all that others expect us to do, what we expect of…
Shadows and Turning
My little girl discovered her shadow yesterday and delighted in chasing it (and trying to escape from it) on our…
Do Not Worry
It has always fascinated me that Jesus gives us an express command twice in the sermon on the mount: “Do…
A List of Reminders
The world seems like a cacophony of voices right now. I made a list of reminders for myself. Perhaps you…
Little One
I have no time to waste, little one.Each moment is a jewel.The dishes, the books, the achievementsSuddenly seem less dear.…
He Resolved
But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the…
A Welcoming Rock
Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come;you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock…
Consider
Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. ~…
At the Feet of Jesus
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she…
Changed
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand as he came down…
But Our Eyes Are Upon You
A vast army marched together, adding to the ranks nation by nation. This was not a small guerilla war fare…
Running with Boots On
He came in with a ridiculous outfit. He already stood out in that crowd, being a full head and shoulders…
Teach Me to Trust
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God…
A New Heart
And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart…
Choose Your Words
My little girl put her books back in the basket after “reading” a big stack on the couch. As I…
That Kind of Friend
There are some days when we are humbled by our own brokenness. We realize that we have not been the…
A Walk Through Winter Woods
I walked thru winter woods,And searched for Your hand,The too cold air was an ache in my chest. The trees…
Jesus Loves Me
The other night, as we lay in bed, snuggled close, my kids and I sang “Jesus loves me.” Of course,…
Then Sings My Soul
He [King Solomon] also spoke 3,000 proverbs, and his songs were 1,005. He spoke of trees, from the cedar that is in…
It’s not Here – It’s There
At first there was just the hazy glow of dawn, the almost imperceptible lightening around me, colors beginning to swirl…
Circumstance and Joy
“My joy is becoming less dependent upon my own immediate circumstances and more attached to what He [God] is doing”…
The God Who Sees
There is no one but the earth to brace her side as her body is beset with pains. She lies…
Overflowing
I love to watch waterfalls, even small ones. There is something about the overwhelming rush of the water. The cliff…
First Things First
This week I have been struck with my own limitations. It’s not just that I can’t get everything done –…
Being at Home
Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.…
Eating an Elephant
My dad (and grandpa) had this great and humorous saying: How do you eat an elephant?(Cue the big cheesy grin)One…
Saying What I Need to Hear
Spending large amounts of time with children is vastly rewarding and encouraging (also often exhausting!). Lately, I have been struck…
On unresolved issues, unanswered questions, and peace
No one likes things unresolved – the strain of not knowing, the questions left unanswered, the problem left… hanging. We…
Simplicity and Direction
And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. ~ Luke 2:52 In all the myriad of…
What Happens When I Go to Bible Class
I have a little friend in my preschool Bible class who has autism. Though I taught in public schools for…
When It’s Good to Run Away
There’s a scene in Finding Nemo (the children’s movie) where a large school of fish rush past the main characters,…
On Expectations, Trying to Do Everything and the Will of God
I have a secret to tell you, dear reader. I can’t do everything. In fact, sometimes (ok, often), when I…
Ripped Pages, Ripped Souls
My little girl has recently been tempted greatly to tear book pages. (yes, this is why someone invented board books).…
Real Rest
Rest is a difficult concept because it does not produce something tangible and visible. We have a hard time recognizing…
The Pace of the Children
Then Esau said, “Let us journey on our way, and I will go ahead of you.” But Jacob said to him, “My…
The Shadow of the Cross
Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the…
Banishing Fear
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul…
On the Worth of Motherhood
Mothering is hard work and sometimes our hearts question our worth – the very point of it all. After all,…
Measuring Abundance
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.…
Day is Done
Tell me why you’re crying, my son. I know you’re frightened like everyone. Is it the thunder in the distance…
On Letting Go and Making Room
I think we all long to be Mary, choosing the better part (Luke 10:38-42). We long for her intimacy and…
It was never “my” time
People look at me funny when I tell them that my time in quarantine was actually very peaceful and purposeful.…
She was a Quiet Woman
She was a quiet woman – but communication can be quite effective even without words! She cooked over wood stoves…
On Days When I Feel Like I’m Getting Everything Wrong
On days when I feel I’m getting everything wrong. Days when I continually mess up. When I know the right…
