The words grow so familiar over time. Words like mercy, grace, peace, and joy. We hear the truths of God’s love, forgiveness, protection, and provision so often that they feel like ideas that will work out only in eternity, especially when they bump up against day-to-day realities that can be so harsh. We feel like […]
RESCUE
The Psalms are full of words like rescue, refuge, fortress, shield, rock, strong tower, and more. These descriptions of God make us think of times of distress or danger. They remind us of people crossing the sea on dry ground, a shepherd boy facing a giant, a tiny army of 300 facing a mighty horde, […]
GIVE ME YOUR BURDENS
Life is chaotic, Lord. There is often someone or something we love in a state of confusion, uncertainty, pressure, or some level of crisis. And we carry it with them. We’re supposed to carry it with them. But sometimes it’s heavy and our minds, our hearts, and even our bodies feel the weight. Prayer is […]
REST AND PEACE
Lord, we so desperately need rest and peace. We search everywhere and end up with scraps when we need a banquet. Even in our churches and Christian resources we find mostly lists of things we should be doing, but no real relief. Your word promises a rest for Your people and a peace that passes […]
IT’S EARLY DECEMBER…
It’s early December and all through our home There are snowmen and tree lights and even some gnomes. Nativities of all kinds are in several rooms To celebrate Jesus in the morn, night, and noon. Jon keeping busy with jobs of all kinds At home, on the farm, he never minds. Luann moves more slowly […]
MOVING IN
Your beauty fills the earth, Lord, especially in this fall season. The trees are so vibrant this year it’s impossible to not notice. Thank You that Your creation was not limited to the beginning of all we see. Thank You that You continue to create in every moment of every day. Help us to walk […]
A LIFE OF FOCUS
Life offers us so many things to know and experience. And while there is a seemingly endless list of things that we come to know through active learning, there is probably far more that we come to know simply through our senses. We understand the difference between rough and smooth not because we learned about […]
CREATIVE LIFE
Lord, in this season I have been realizing my need for real, tangible things. Things that ground me. Things I can touch, handle, see, and hear. The sound of the wind in the trees or a good rain, the green of the grass, the feel of stroking my dog and feeling the velvet of her […]
FAR AS THE CURSE IS FOUND
I love Christmas music. The only reason I don’t listen to it all year is I don’t want to risk it getting old. The last couple of years there has been one line from an old familiar carol that has really stuck in my head. It’s from “Joy to the World” verse three. If you […]
TAKING INVENTORY
I’m taking inventory right now. I’m going through drawers, closets, and even some storage boxes that I haven’t opened in a while. Each item inside faces a precarious future. If I haven’t used it in a long while and it holds no sentimental value, it is destined for the sell, donate, or pitch pile. I […]
His Unfolding Grace 