You may have seen my Facebook posts over the last two weeks about shopping for a washing machine... here's how God helped me practice gratitude, even while I was staring at a mountain of dirty clothes: I was doing an extra large load of laundry that Saturday morning. And apparently it was a little too full, because something slipped over the side of the tub, and ended up clogging the drain hose. The washer went through all the cycles... but it didn't spin. And even worse, it didn't drain. Hubby was out at drill that day, and I was stuck with a washer full of flannel shirts (and other things) that were soaking in dirty water. I had to take it all out and wash it piece by piece in [...Read More]
Salvation Stories {Link-Up}
October 29, 2012 By 6 Comments
October 28 is the anniversary of my adoption. Not a physical adoption -- a spiritual one. It's the day God made me His child, gave me His name, and provided a new life for me. I would say it's the day He chose me, and called me, but that's not entirely true. He chose me before the earth was created. He called me before I was even conceived. Salvation has nothing to do with me, and everything to do with God. {<--tweet this!} It's not because I'm anything special, or because I have amazing potential, or because I have a great heritage. It's because God wanted me to bear His name, His suffering, and someday His glory. And God in His amazing grace caused me to be born into a Christian [...Read More]
Being Abraham: revisited
August 30, 2012 By 10 Comments
School is starting up again for my husband. He's about 33% of the way through his M.Div program (4 more years to go, maybe?). And every semester has been a challenge in many ways, but especially financially. But though it's been difficult and uncertain, God has been so faithful to provide just what we need, just when we need it. And every semester, I think back to when he first enrolled in seminary, in August 2010. I wrote a post at that time about what we were anticipating, and how we were (not really) planning to get through it all. We were walking by faith, just like Abraham did when he set out to an unknown country. He only knew that God had called him to go, but he had no idea where [...Read More]
Devotions & Poetry
August 16, 2012 By 4 Comments
I would usually be sharing a devotional thought with you today. But I have some exciting news to share, and thought I would combine the two things. You see, I write poetry. And one place that has been especially influential in encouraging my poetic musings is Poetic Bloomings. And today they're sharing an interview they did with me. So you should go read it! :) I find poetry provides a way for me to express emotions that I can't otherwise explain. And it gives me a great way to describe the joys and hopes of the Christian life. I love writing about our Redeemer's love, His care for all of creation, the beauty He gives us each day, and the gentle ways He guides through everything. For [...Read More]
My ‘Invisible’ Illness
September 19, 2011 By 14 Comments
I discovered this morning that last week (Sept 11-18) was designated Invisible Illness Week. For people like me, who suffer from chronic illness but often hear the words "you look so normal." Or something like them. I have an "invisible illness." It is actually quite visible to my doctors, in the blood tests and other labs I regularly have to get. It is usually visible to those who know me well. But to the random stranger in Walmart, the new family at church, or the friend of a friend I meet at a cookout, it remains invisible. [...Read More]
God of Miracles
August 25, 2011 By 1 Comment
A miracle is defined as something that is humanly impossible, contrary to the laws of nature, and ascribed to a supernatural cause. In other words, something beyond human power that only God can do. I believe in those kind of miracles. I have to, for I have had several of them take place in my own life. A friend recently asked the question on Facebook: "Has anyone ever seen God work in a truly miraculous way, or witnessed him acomplish something that seemed impossible?" I had too long an answer with too many details to share there, and thought my dear readers might be encouraged by hearing how God has worked in my life, so I decided to post it here as a testimony for all to see the [...Read More]
Taking a Deep Breath {FMF}
May 14, 2011 By 3 Comments
Time for another Five Minute Friday. This week it's about ... Deep Breath Thinking about breathing reminds me of time not too long ago when breathing was a rather difficult thing for me. From December 2007 through October 2009, the times when I could breathe freely and fully were rare and sporadic. I had at least six surgeries during those 23 months to enlarge my airway... At first the doctors didn't even know what was wrong with me. I tried specialist after specialist, medication after medication, and nothing helped. I couldn't breathe. Simply getting out of bed in the morning made me huff and puff for air. Making the bed and showering was like running a marathon. Playing the piano was [...Read More]
Birthday Lessons
March 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Okay, I'll admit it. I complained. I whined. I had a self-pity party. You see, my birthday was coming up, and I thought it was going to be miserable. I thought I was going to be stuck in the house by myself with nothing to do all day. I thought I wouldn't be able to do anything fun with my husband because he had school all day (and all week). I thought the stormy weather that was predicted would make it even more dismal. I thought I wouldn't have any presents to open that day. I thought I was going to have to make my own 'birthday supper' because we couldn't afford to go out to eat. And so I cried and I whined and felt sorry for myself, instead of presenting the problem to God and [...Read More]
More Spiritual Blessings
November 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment
To continue this month's "theme" of thankfulness, and to further meditate on yesterday's topic (Spiritual Blessings (from Ephesians)), I thought I might share some "spiritual blessings" that I am grateful for. Feel free to add your own in a comment! Any such list would be remiss if it did not mention the greatest gift of all - that God loved me enough to send His only Son to pay the wages for my sinfulness. Along with that, the precious and amazing opportunity to have a personal relationship with God, I as His child and He as my Heavenly Father. And that God sees me as perfect and justified through the blood of His Son. Furthermore, that I need no earthly high priest, but can approach [...Read More]
Spiritual Birthdays
October 28, 2010 By 3 Comments
Today marks my 23rd spiritual birthday. In remembering and meditating on the significance of the day, I thought I would take the opportunity to share my testimony with you all. Some of you know it, or most of it anyway. Some of you have never heard it before. It's not all that spectacular as compared to other's conversions, but it IS rather spectacular for me, because it is the story of how God saved ME and shepherded ME and carried ME in His arms. It all started a little over 26 years ago, when God gave me the wonderful privilege of being born into a Christian home. My Mom had also grown up in a Christian home, and my Dad was saved just after he graduated from college. So when I came on [...Read More]
