In America, our culture is saturated in self-confidence. It’s embedded in every aspect of our society, to have faith in our own abilities, to live with a measure of success because of some wisdom, knowledge or ability we possess. I have slowly begun to realize that this whole doctrine for American life is contrary to […]
The Difference
There was a time when fear ruled my heart. Long ago, I worried about the reactions and opinions of the people in my world. If I stumbled, they were right there to let me know, to make it clear their disapproval and disappointment were always in front of my sight, as motivation to be more […]
Grace and Forgiveness— My Expectations of ALL Christians
The two defining trademarks of Christianity are Grace and Forgiveness.
He’s With Me Through It All
Imagine this is a picture of God’s hand— catching all of our tears (Psalm 56:8), Holding our hand (Isaiah 41:13), pouring His grace, His mercy out over us (1 Timothy 1:12-17)— within our reach, in His grasp (Acts 17:27). Imagine His hand designing every part of us, every cell’s information center, every detail from the […]
I Remember Who I Was
My life was the messiest of messes. I was being crushed against my rock-bottom. He saw me. He reached into my soul, He called my name. My name. He knew my name.
Puppet Strings— Opinions Of Others
We are all His creation, made carefully, delicately, lovingly— by His hand, nurtured and protected by His hand, watered by His Spirit, cleansed by the blood of Jesus that sin can never corrupt. Ever.
Cycle of Frustration
The human ability to adapt to most situations and changes, is astounding. Even more-so is the ability to overcome— to beat, win, conquer overwhelming circumstances. There are an infinite number of human-interest stories about people who beat the odds— and often God is credited for a person’s ability to do what our minds consider to […]
One-Anothering
Scripture tells us, several times, to love one another. Forgive one another. Be gracious and kind to one another. In this current American political climate, that seems to be farthest from anyone’s mind. But, this blog isn’t about politics. It’s not about America. It’s about our heart conditions. Are we allowing an environment for our […]
In The Way
I was often told I was “in the way” by people who’s opinion mattered deeply to me, for a significant portion of my life. I had no reason to not believe them. So, I did all I could to move out of the way, whether physically or otherwise. I assumed everyone thought this about me. […]
Heart Strings
I love rainbows. Besides being beautiful, they fascinate me. The origin and history are intriguing. Besides the colorful streams that invoke a feeling of warmth, to me they are one of the many wonders of our world. Rainbows and I also have a history. My very first memory in our shared history is seeing one […]
Worship– What Exactly Is It?
We’ve all been there: Cue music: Oh, I love this song! I wonder if my hair looks ok? Did I brush my teeth? Oooh, my voice sounds so good today, I’ll sing louder! How much thought do we give to God, really? Everytime? Do we pay attention to the words we sing? Are we really […]
Tapestry
One strand One life Interwoven With other lives Intersecting with strangers New strands Intervening Interceding To the eye it looks random Like a bunch of tangled, messy strings Being brought to order Composing a theme One step at a time One stitch purposely sewn A picture emerges The goal’s being shown As it progresses The […]
Being Mary In A Martha World
I’m a worshiper. Most often, when I am able and there is a place and opportunity for me, I join the Worship or Praise team of a local church or chapel. We’ve moved quite a bit, or we’ve moved on when we find a church no longer is a good fit for us and our […]
One Size Fits… Um No
I confess– I have a tendency to be a serial unasked-for advice giver. I can’t help it. I know others can glean from my experience-gained wisdom. Right? Except that’s never how it’s taken. If I’m honest, it’s also not how I take it from others, either, even though I try to be polite and respectful. […]
Simple Gospel
John 3:17– “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” And yet– We constantly see judgement coming from those of us who claim we belong to Him. We have redefined judgement as love, giving ourselves excuses to do exactly what […]
Just Stop–
Daily busyness mutes His voice. So many things clutter our lives, clutter our hearts– clutter our churches. So many good things. So many good intentions. So many ideas to please God, programs to help people, traditions we’ve convinced ourselves we need. Abel understood the very heart of God. It was more than just hearing and obeying God. […]
Me, Myself And My Husband– One Flesh
My husband doesn’t do things the way that I do. He doesn’t say things the way I say them. He doesn’t look at things the way I see them. He doesn’t have the same Political views that I have… When we married, we were taught through God’s Word that his body is my body, and […]
Fighting An Invisible Enemy
I have an invisible enemy. I’ve fought against it for as long as I can remember. This enemy does not fight fair. It hides in the shadows. I have exhausted myself many times throughout my lifetime trying to fight back, but it dodges every retaliatory jab. My enemy catches me off-guard, though less often […]
The Spiritual Damage Of Anorexia
Fasting is an important part of our growing relationship with God. When we fast unto God, we deny our flesh to set aside our physical wants and needs temporarily to focus on seeking God.
Scars– Survivor’s Thick Skin
I have scars. Some are easily seen. Like the one on my hand where I got stitches from grabbing a knife out of a distressed friend’s hand. He was threatening self-harm. Some are hidden. I have scars in my scalp from an attack by a playful young mountain lion my aunt kept and adopted from […]
Why My Defensiveness Is A Reflex Reaction For Me With Some
Last night, I had the most wonderful time having dinner, talking, then just listening to a dear friend. I learned so much about her, things I never would have guessed! It’s even easier to see why she is such a beautiful, loving, sincerely kind woman of God. As is the usual case with me, […]
Why I Am This Way, And How It Applies To My Dating Daughter
I grew up a fighter. At a time when women were belittled– not taken seriously while harassed for wanting to break out of the “norm” set for us by men– I decided not to just accept that, but to push past it. I have dealt with that issue head-on for many years now. From […]
God Loves Divorcées
I get it. God hates divorce. Divorced people also hate divorce. It’s ugly. It’s destructive. It tears apart what God put together. It turns a peaceful union into a war zone. Moses gave permission for divorce because mens hearts had hardened against their wives. A hardened heart makes way for cruelty and abuse. Moses was […]
Comfortable In My Faith
Do you find yourself being a reactionary or responsive Christian? I want to be responsive, but I have reactive tendencies far too often. My reflex at feeling attacked, questioned, put on the spot or called names like hypocrite used to be to jump into action and find Scripture to back up my actions, words and […]
I Can See You (Soundcloud version)
David and I wrote this song years ago. This was my first recorded violin playing for Soundcloud. I’m a perfectionist, so know I play better than this sounds. Enjoy!
Jemtree's Heart 