Category Archives: spiritual growth

The Spirit’s Work in the Storm

This picture was in my memories yesterday. Storms invade, they come, they bring pain and loss. Then, the sun comes out again. They are fierce, but they do not last forever. They shape us, but there is hope in the anchoring in the midst. I was inspired to paint this. I couldn’t find a bigContinue reading “The Spirit’s Work in the Storm”

Kindling

I remember the moment last December. I looked up at each person passing in front of me. Some were faces that I had known up close and from afar. Seated near the front of the congregation, I got the distinct privilege of witnessing the holy moment. Person and after person with real stories and strugglesContinue reading “Kindling”

Making the Word Come Alive

“Remain in Me…let My words remain in you…” I can trace my life each week–my feelings, my behaviors, my thoughts–simply by the time I spend in God’s word and in His presence. More tired, snippy, impatient? Yep, I skimped on time with Him. Sorry to people who dealt with me last week! Quick to assumeContinue reading “Making the Word Come Alive”

Who Do You Think You Are?

I have had and have different roles in my life–leader, wife, friend, daughter, sister, aunt, school counselor, pastor’s daughter, pastor’s wife, momma to two boys, business owner, struggler with fertility, starter of a non-profit, disciple-maker, serial dater, avoider of conflict. These are not who I am, but they help shape me by dismantling my own agenda.

a pivotal moment

The floor felt like it opened up to swallow me.  Thoughts and words and ideas and foundations were challenged as I sipped a frozen coffee and listened.     At 21 years old and a senior in college, I assumed I would be a bit more stable.  In the prior year, I had seen my foundationsContinue reading “a pivotal moment”

Pieces of me

I remember the exhilarating feeling of the Summer after graduating high school.  I was 18, seemingly confident, and full of wonder for the future.  I can feel that ghost of a girl as I fondly look back.  Her identity would take some hits in the coming years. I remember the trepidation and excitement as IContinue reading “Pieces of me”

Sprinkled or Power-Washed?

The last few days, I have been one with the pressure washer. The space on our deck seemed to triple in that time. I had LOTS of time to think, to pray, to ponder, and to learn. Pressure washing is oddly satisfying. You can see results in the stripping of dirt and grime. There isContinue reading “Sprinkled or Power-Washed?”

What story are you writing?

What story are you writing this morning? Not a writer you say? I disagree. You are telling yourself something about a lot of things. It may be that you have carefully crafted a story about your acquaintance’s life, her trip, her parenting, her marriage, her financial status. It may be that you have written aContinue reading “What story are you writing?”

What did I expect?

It all started with a little conversation with a woman who embraces life with gusto. We found out our birthdays are one day and 11 years apart. She asked me what I had planned for my birthday. She had 3 separate parties planned. I said, “Wow! We don’t really have high expectations for birthdays.” Then,Continue reading “What did I expect?”