Monthly Archives: February 2014

Love Lives Here

IMG_2794

“Mama, I NEED the glue stick,” my daughter hollered from the kitchen table.

“Mommm…she took my sticker. I wanted the big heart,” whined Big Brother.

I remember standing at the sink, looking out on a yard that needed cutting and toys scattered in the driveway. Hands in hot suds, I sighed and wished away the irritation. Couldn’t the little people in the other room just get along? Did they have to argue about everything? This was supposed to be a fun Valentine’s Day craft.

We are GOING to feel the LOVE.

Like it or not.

I hurried to finish the task before Big Brother decided to give someone a hair cut with the sissors.

Continue Reading »

Rejoice. And again I say rejoice.

shopping cart

Theologically profound moments happen in the check out line at Walmart.

Yes, Walmart with my loud, handsy children who won’t.stop.asking.for.candy. Walmart when I want to meltdown just as much, if not more than they do. Or maybe it’s not Walmart. I’m a stay at mom with three kids six and under. My opportunities for sanctification come fast and furious.

Philippians 4:4 is a gentle reminder of what our hearts should look like, and why.  

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

We who claim to be Christ-followers we represent the gospel – of law AND grace – in every mundane moment.

Continue Reading »

God Is Singing Over You

God is Singing over You!

 God sings over us? Have you ever thought about that possibility? Even the robotic and socially awkward Sheldon Cooper on “The Big Bang Theory” admits to needing the comfort of a song in times of stress or illness. He often asks his friends to sing the song from his childhood…

Soft kitty, warm kitty, little ball of fur.

Happy kitty, sleepy kitty,

purr purr purr.

As silly as that little song is, it was easier to believe than the whispered song that I heard during a desperate time of struggle in my life. I am not musical, so I cannot translate the tune that accompanied this song, but it is in my head and heart forever.

Continue Reading »

My Story Punctuated with Hallelujahs

simplystriving

Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God,
proclaiming our allegiance to his name.
Hebrews 13:15

Friends, I’m tired. I say that literally as I care for this newborn babe. And I must confess, I had forgotten how hard simple life tasks are when sleep eludes you.

Even hallelujahs.

David made sure he praised God intentionally at least seven times a day (Psalm 119:164). A part of me wonders if this is like the seventy times seven example in the Bible and really means: David praised all day long. Every day. No matter what.

Continue Reading »

It’s Too Hard!

ID-10090946

His barely three year old cheeks flush crimson, giant tears roll down his face, and his angry screech pierces the air. This time it’s because Mom said no to the television, but it easily could have been bed time or a reprimand. Apparently, it’s too hard being three.

“I can’t read all the words, Mom. I’m bad at it. It’s too hard,” she laments, sobbing into her pillow. First grade is challenging these days at her new school.

Meanwhile, big sister hesitates, scratches out a number on her homework paper, erases, sighs. “I don’t know what to do,” she sputters. Long division…enough said.

Continue Reading »