We’ve celebrated Christmas, welcomed the New Year, and may be dealing with terrible weather. We may have even overindulged during the holiday season, leaving our pants feeling a little too tight or our credit card bill a little too large. Or perhaps we’re just feeling out of sorts. All these things may be true, yet, January is my favorite season …
Why am I anxious?
Yesterday morning I woke suddenly. My heart thumped rapidly and before I even sat up, I felt overwhelmed. After throwing back the duvet, I walked downstairs and started through my usual routine. As I did, the feelings of irritability, dread, and worry intensified. And I had no idea why. I’ve experienced anxiety enough in the past to know that it’s …
Happy New Year
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9 In the week …
Rejoice Always
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 We’re officially in the season of pumpkin spice lattes, caramel apples, and pecan pie. You can go on a shopping spree and buy the words grateful, thankful, and blessed imprinted on pretty much anything as we head …
It’s Not About Doing. It’s About Being.
For the past week, I’ve been fighting the flu. My nose and head are stuffy, and my ears are blocked. My kids were involved in a theater production, and there were lots of late nights, running around, and homework that hadn’t been completed. It’s been a lot of fun, but wow, my ten-year-old was cranky, and so was I. I’ve …
The Word Is Trust
I imagine King David sitting at a table, parchment covering his desk, a small oil lamp flickering its dim yellow light over the blank pages, and crying out his prayer; In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. I trust in you; do not let my enemies triumph over me. Psalm 25:1-2 How many times have I leaned back …
The Broken Fence
This year we replaced the fence in our backyard. It was installed when the house was built forty years ago. It’s had a long life and did a good job. But over the past few years, some of the panels came loose and gaps emerged. We could see into our neighbor’s yard and onto the nearby street. When I …
Really? Joy … Even in this Situation?
“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) Over the past few years, I’ve heard this verse so many times. I’ve shared it with people, and people have shared …
Desperately Seeking Rest …
We all have those days when we simply don’t want to parent, work, or do what we need to do. We’d prefer to get up and go for coffee with a friend, take a walk, curl up with a good book, or binge-watch our latest favorite show … in our pajamas. Sometimes when my alarm goes off at 6:00 AM …