This topic is so personal to me lately; but, a few years back, I was in a completely different place. Though I had plenty to fill my time, I was adept at putting off tasks and feeling completely useless by the end of the day. Ecclesiastes 5:12 says, “Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep” (ESV). Though I certainly was not rich, I did not work enough and felt guilty going to bed without earning the rest. Then, in an answer to prayer, life suddenly changed. God faithfully ushered me out of my languishing, and I … [Read more...]
Is Your Relationship Clean?
Earlier today while sitting in my workspace, I peered over my computer to see a mountain of stuff on the table: some trash from last night’s takeout, some mail which never made it to the incoming mail bin in the bedroom, some dog treats and dog paraphernalia from dog sitting, empty Bubly cans littered about, notecards and post it notes scattered, pens, snacks, dead “thank you” flowers from a neighbor, and other random objects. Did I not just clean this table?! Much of my life takes place in this spot. Many of my jobs are completed, in large part, at this very table. We eat most of our … [Read more...]
Be Honest About Who You Are
Have you ever been so in love with someone you were willing to go anywhere, do anything, and make any sacrifice to keep him or her happy? I have! The feeling of being in love is powerful; and, unbridled, it can lead us to make silly promises. Not only that, but feeling in love can disconnect us from reality (for some more than others). For example, suddenly, the one in love wants to go swimming every Saturday morning with his or her significant other even though he or she has never enjoyed swimming. If you hold back who you really are, you might find yourself stuck in a marriage with … [Read more...]
On Being Intentional about Your Wedding Planning
When I was a teenager, I remember thinking, “I want someone to plan my wedding for me and I just show up and get married.” Not your typical bride, I wanted as little stress as possible (it is the theme of my life). This might have worked for me, but I decided to marry a man who cared about the details. ~smile~ So, there was no just showing up at my own wedding - I had to get involved in the planning. Planning a wedding can feel like an insurmountable task, but you can do it. Take your checklist a bite at a time, get the right people in your corner to help you, and remember that at the end … [Read more...]
Planning For Better and for Worse
The last few weeks have been so emotional. Though the inner parts of my life have held steady, those around me are hurting deeply. In those seasons where everyone around you seems to be hurting, it is such a privilege to go to the Lord in prayer on their behalf. When we as believers feel we can do nothing, we can call on our creator and Savior to minister to our friends and loved ones. (Thank you, Lord, that the veil tore when Jesus died, and we can now approach the throne of grace boldly [cf. Hebrews 4:16].) As I have observed some extreme heaviness recently, my mind has wandered back to … [Read more...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- Next Page »