On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!
Category Archives: Devotional
Where are You Looking?
Don’t Go It Alone
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
We try to say prayers as a family every night.
Even as my kids have gotten older, it’s part of our bedtime routine and I love the time together—the craziness of the day settled, for the moment.
I love hearing the things Katie and Luke pray for and the way it gives me a glimpse of what’s on their minds.
One night, after the kids had gone to bed, Katie came back downstairs to get a glass of water. After she filled her glass, she walked over to me and gave me a hug.
Lean Heavy When Life is Hard
Life has been very hard for me lately. It’s still hard to admit that, but getting easier as I realize that my vulnerability = grace for others. But harder even than admitting depression and exhaustion is the task of writing something encouraging for others.
I don’t have a faith-filled testimony about God carrying me through a difficult time. I’ve been neglecting time with God and turning instead to chocolate and ice cream and reality TV.
I don’t have ever-loving words to say about my children. They’ve been driving me near the brink of insanity.
I don’t have marriage counsel. We’re as opposite as ever and struggling every day to figure out how to live in the same house.
In The Blink Of An Eye
I remember the day she was born. Dark head of hair, with big brown eyes staring back at me. This precious gift, my first, how I longed to lead her well.
The age of five came, with fancy dresses, straw hats and tea party and a great big personality began to emerge. She loved to sing and dance and her smile brightened every room. Her laughter warmed her daddy’s heart and I couldn’t bare the thought of her growing up. Oh Lord, can you slow the time down?
Pre-teen years were not as bad as some would say. She, growing into her own personality — a dreamer, a lover of books, learning about fashion and make-up.
Come…An Invitation
“Come,” Jesus said. (Matthew 14:29)
I have read the story of Peter stepping out of the boat many times. I think of that moment as he gazed across the water and Jesus said just one word…COME.
An invitation.
Did Peter then turn to the others and say…Could you pray about this for me? Did he then write down the pros and cons of taking that step? No. He simply stepped out in faith. To walk on water towards Jesus. It was only when He took His eyes off of Jesus and looked at the water, that fear took over and he began to sink.
Uncomplicated
The rustling of his two year-old tootsies against the crib mattress rouses me from my slumber. He scales the side of the crib and clambers over to me. Not yet enticed to vacate the warm hug of my flannel sheets and fluffy comforter, I whisk my son up into bed with me.
He snuggles up close and presses his soft, flushed cheek to mine. He is still.
All to soon, my little tornado will wreak baby havoc on our house. Meals will be rejected. Pots and pans pulled from cupboards. Clothing strewn across the floor. Perhaps an entire over-sized canister of rolled oats will coat the first level of the house…
But here, now…I relish the sweetness of a chubby hand cupping my face and the precious babble, “Bahdah bahdah,bahdah bahdah, Mama!”
Rest In The Love Of God
I laid there beside him, just watching him sleep, so peacefully and at ease. A few minutes before he was restless and anxious. He couldn’t sleep and called for me in the night. I quietly responded to his call, my mother’s heart softened to his little disheartened cries.
With in seconds of my presence his anxieties melted away and he was immediately able to rest. As I watched him so overwhelmed by my love for him, a quiet thought occurred to me, a picture, if I love this child so intensely… how much more does my Heavenly Father love me?
This is something I have struggled with for years, believing that He loves me, that He could love me.
As You Wish
Are you a fan of Buttercup and Westley?
My favorite part of The Princess Bride occurs near the beginning.
As you wish.
“As you wish” = “I love you.”
Do you ever question someone’s love when they continue to repeat behaviors that disappoint you or hurt your feelings?
As you wish really is a beautiful way to say, “I love you.”
Jesus spoke to His followers and to us about the priority of love when it comes to obedience.
Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’