Though part of the Christian walk, suffering is one facet we avoid cultivating as we do other spiritual disciplines. Partly because suffering for the Christian comes designed or permitted by God. Even in the self-inflicted suffering relative to the consequences of sinful choices, both our own and others, God remains sovereign over our suffering. Yet there remains 3 things God…
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3 Things God Will Not Do for You in Suffering
Where is the Comfort in Suffering?
Oddly, on the morning of January 11th, the eighth anniversary of both the birth and death of my first-born granddaughter Indigo Evangeline, Isaiah 40:1 sat open in the bible on my lap. One cannot ponder “comfort” without pondering “discomfort”. Even some eight years later, my mind still poses the question, “where is the comfort in suffering?” When seeking comfort in…
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Stepping Confidently into a New Year
Gazing at the rushing river one hundred feet below through the shaky wooden slats offered no solace to my fear-filled heart. The taunting and deliberate swaying of the primitive rope bridge by my best friend’s brother further stole my limited courage. Oddly, the image from over fifty years ago flashed in my mind as my eyes rested on the first…
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Overcoming Insecurities with God
Having assumed insecurities belonged to the younger version of me, imagine my surprise when I discovered the root cause of recent anxiety rested in a few stubborn insecurities. But an even bigger surprise awaited, when in answer to prayer, God invited me into the safe place of overcoming insecurities with Him. At times, becoming fully known by others involves a…
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Thankful for Hope
November often beckons our hearts into a posture of gratitude as we move towards the end of another year, culminating in the celebration meal of Thanksgiving. As time drew near for another update on my 2023 One Word Hope, adding ways my heart feels thankful for Hope seemed the perfect update. My dear friend and fearless leader of our One…
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Authenticity in Becoming Christ’s Beloved
Watching the stunning display of fall foliage reminds me the season of Autumn speaks about becoming. The art of slowly changing, and within the change emerges a kind of truth unseen previously. We experience a similar authenticity in becoming Christ’s beloved within our spiritual journey. Though at times our own blossoming of authenticity feels painful, the colors of Autumn remind…
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Embracing Rhythms of Rest
As the holiday season fast approaches, for the first time in many years my mind shifts towards embracing rhythms of rest. While friends and colleagues shift into high gear and overwhelm, my heart leans into a more mindful, slower pace. What if rhythms of rest offered the answer to the deepest longings of our hearts and families during the busiest…
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Gratitude For God’s Sufficient Grace
Welcoming November often turns the thoughts of our hearts to gratitude. It seems gratitude always has more to teach us with each passing year. Recently I sat with the intricately woven idea of gratitude for God’s sufficient grace. Fully understanding God’s grace extended to me through the undeserved favor of God and others shines forth in humble gratitude which honors…
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Trusting God in Uncertainty
In the times in which we live, trusting God in uncertainty presents a challenge for most of us. Recently reading in the Book of Proverbs, verse 27:1 seemed especially appropriate for the challenges we face: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” We become comfortable with our expectations of tomorrow, next week, next…
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