This week I had the opportunity to experience several moments of Grace, and it wafted a sweet fragrance…Petrichor?
After what seemed like an eternity wondering what my next career move might be, I landed in the hospitality industry. I work beside people who consistently challenge me outside my comfort zone; our lives are different, our experiences and expectations as far as East is from West, and yet we are the same…children of a Loving God. How I interact with them is the manifestation of the Something within me, and my children are watching.
Some days, as a function of poor planning or unfortunate traffic or timing, there is not enough time to pack breakfast and/or lunch to carry me through work days that routinely stretch 10-12 hours.
Continue Reading »
No matter where my journey takes me in life, Psalm 23 has been a constant companion. It brings me comfort in my greatest times of need, and reminds me of the care and protection of my Good Shepherd.
I would like to share with you a few of my reflections. I pray that they will minister to your heart in your time of need.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1)
The Lord cares for and watches over me, and provides all that I need. He is my Caretaker, Shepherd, Overseer, Guidance Counselor, Daddy God, Father, Provider and Giver of all things.
Continue Reading »
At the beginning of 2014 I found myself in a complete state of loss. In every area of my life I had lost control. Control I desperately held onto despite the countless books and bible studies I did on letting go of control and allowing God to take over. I had tried every formula. I prayed every desperate prayer.
It is during those times of despair when you are clinging to hope and the last threads of faith that God slowly begins to peel away the layers that have been blocking the kind of relationship that He has been waiting to pursue with you.
Continue Reading »
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
A new year, a new me. Right? This is what I know I want at the beginning of January 2015. Hmm… if only this year I could:
– Be punctual
– Eat healthier
– Clip coupons
– Stick to my budget
– Purge the house
– Clean all the windows
– Read my bible more than once a day
– Pray without ceasing
– Never miss a birthday
– Call my long distance relatives every month
– Workout
– Complete unfinished projects
The list goes on!
Continue Reading »
For at least half of the Christmas seasons I have spent as married woman, I’ve been newly pregnant or fresh-grieving the loss of a babe.
I identify with Mary very closely. I keep thinking of her physical feelings, her emotions at being an (unmarried) first time mother. (By the way – how do you think that conversation with the parents went?) Closing my eyes and thinking of her in labor. In a cave/stable/animal dwelling. The smell, the temperature, the dust, the pain. Cleaning, or trying to clean him. Nursing him for the first time. How sweet that moment is. Or scary, or frustrating, or overwhelming.
Continue Reading »
These words have stuck out to me in my Bible reading this week. In context, this is Elizabeth speaking to Mary. When Mary came to visit Elizabeth, the unborn child in Elizabeth’s womb lept for joy as soon as Mary’s voice reached her ears. Elizabeth told Mary she was blessed, because she believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her.
Advent is nearly over. I’ve been waiting, reaching, hoping, trusting, battling to stay full of faith in this season. I’ve been waiting for the Christ child, He who is coming, but has already come, and will continue to come again and again to my tired and weary soul.
Continue Reading »
I’m guessing the manger wasn’t on Mary’s birthplan.
We like to sanitize the nativity story in our imaginations. Mary kneels calmly over the manger, with cattle lowing and Baby Jesus asleep on the hay. Joseph leans on his staff in quiet awe while shepherds and peaceful sheep stare in wonder. We forget the work of birth that comes in blood and sweat and tears. What was it like for Mary, that first Christmas night? Did her mother go with them on that three-day journey to Bethlehem, or was she alone with this man she’d been married to for less than six months?
Continue Reading »
