Category Archives: Barbie

Walking In The Light

As a mother, I teach my children to always be honest. I have become very good at being able to tell when they are not telling the truth, or when I’m only getting part of the story. I try to instill in them the importance of going to someone they may have hurt to ask forgiveness; or, at times, going to God with the sin that is in their  hearts. Today, my 7 year old son taught me a valuable lesson.

I was assisting in the Children’s Equipping Center today during church. Our Children’s Pastor was walking the children through an exercise of confessing the things that were hidden in their hearts.

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Look Up!

This past year has been one of loss, hardship and uncertainty for our family. During this season, I have learned to yield, to trust, to seek and to find. I have learned to have hope in the face of adversity. The dictionary defines “hope” as a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. Over the last year, there were many days where I felt hopeless. I was looking at my life through foggy lenses, unable to see beyond my circumstances into the promises of the Lord for my life, and that of my family. I had lost my sense of expectancy.

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Mistaken Identity

Princess (EXPLORED)photo © 2010 Courtney Carmody | more info (via: Wylio)This week, I have been purposeful in reminding myself of who I am. There are many things that I DO that I have allowed to become such a part of me, that I sometimes lose my way.

It is true. I wear many hats. I am wife, mother, sister, friend, administrator, blogger, counselor, cook, dishwasher, laundress, housekeeper, caregiver.

And the list goes on.

I interact with people on a daily basis who ask me what I do. And I can give any number of answers to this question. Why is it that no one ever asks me “who I am”?

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The Strength Of My Resolve

As I’ve sat and reflected on the coming New Year, there are a few goals I would like to accomplish. I have always been one to make resolutions — a resolution to lose weight, spend more time with my family, be more organized, simplify, eat better, sleep more, and be more patient and loving. But as each year has come and gone, I have found that, for the most part, my resolutions remained unmet, and I was left confused, angry at myself, and unmotivated to continue the journey.

I have always been an “all-or-nothing” person. And when I fall short, I can tend to be hard on myself.

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A Willing Heart

I have been reading the account of the Birth of Christ all this week and meditating on this most precious gift that was given to me. It was a gift of love that, although I try to understand, I still cannot. I want it to get deep into my spirit, and I want my response to this love to be a willing heart. A heart that says Yes to God’s perfect plan, even though I cannot see clearly.

Mary had a willing heart. She was willing to be used by God, no matter what the cost. She said Yes!

When the Angel of the Lord approached Mary to let her know that soon she would be with child, and that this Child she would carry would be the Son of God, Mary was troubled in her spirit. 

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Be Still And Know

And so it begins. This season of busyness.

There are many days when I feel overwhelmed. As a wife, mom, full-time worker, minister and friend, there are many things competing for my time and attention. And especially during the holidays, my life tends to get more hectic and overwhelming. In a season when I am called to give thanks, to reflect on the beauty of the Lord and be reminded of the most precious gift that has been given to me, I am distracted. As if I weren’t busy enough. Now there is decorating, shopping, wrapping, baking, parties and the list goes on.

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Pefecting Parenting

I was never a nervous or controlling person growing up. I always thought of myself as pretty relaxed and down to earth. Then I got married and had children.

When my children were small, I remember how every little thing concerning their young lives was such a huge deal. My life became rigorous and scheduled, as opposed to care free and spontaneous. As my children grew older, I became a very anxious and controlling person. It was not something I ever expected to be, it just was. I remember standing in the doorway of the bathroom as my daughter brushed her hair and got ready for school to “make sure she did it right”.

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O Taste And See!

I have been reflecting on God’s goodness over the past couple of months. There are so many ways that He has blessed, encouraged, brought healing, provision, strength, hope and joy to my life. In all of these areas, I have seen His immeasurable goodness towards me and I am so grateful.

Over the last couple of days I have been meditating on this Psalm:

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. (Psalm 34:8 NIV)

I don’t just want to SEE the goodness of the Lord, but I want to TASTE it!

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