The author reflects on Advent as an invitation rather than a command, contrasting their earlier beliefs about religious duties with a more profound understanding of God's nature. Advent represents a chance to receive gifts of Hope, Joy, Love, and Peace, emphasizing patience and personal readiness in accepting these invitations without fear of punishment.
Tag: faith
Advent Joy
The content reflects on finding joy during the Advent season, especially for those feeling disconnected from it. It shares that even in pain, disappointment, and waiting, one can discover joy by being honest about feelings and recognizing God's presence. The narrative encourages embracing life's complexities and looking for joy amidst struggles, just as reflected in the stories of Elizabeth and Mary.
Advent of Hope: The Story of Elizabeth
Growing up Southern Baptist, I never understood advent. To be honest, it’s still something I wrestle with. I want it to mean something to me and feel guilty that it doesn’t. There seems to be a perpetual whisper that as a Christian, I’m missing out on something because it just doesn’t, but being honest, it’s… Continue reading Advent of Hope: The Story of Elizabeth
But God Was With Me…
In the days of COVID-19, this story comes to mind. Like Gideon, you probably feel as though your only option is to hide and to store for yourself whatever provisions you can. Like Gideon, you may feel overwhelmed, disillusioned, hopeless that you can do anything to change the situation.
Disappointment
Disappointment. Maybe for you, it’s a perpetual feeling of being lost, frustrated, empty..but at the core it’s a constant feeling of overwhelming disappointment. Life doesn’t resemble anything like you had envisioned. Your marriage isn’t the close, happy one that others seem to experience. You trusted God; prayed to God-over and over and you heard nothing.… Continue reading Disappointment
I Love You in Pieces
I’m guessing the expression, “I love you to pieces” sounds vaguely familiar. Over the last few days of this journey, I feel God impressing upon me a bit different take to this familiar saying. Rather than God loving me to pieces, He loves me IN pieces. At various points in my life, God has given me a vision… Continue reading I Love You in Pieces
Thank You, God
On Monday, when Chris was still in rehab, and I was worried about the logistics of him coming home in a matter of days, I didn’t stop and say thank you that you, alone, are sovereign-in all things. On Tuesday, when the ambulance that was supposed to take him for an early morning procedure broke… Continue reading Thank You, God
Severing the Head
Severing the head..it’s a gruesome thought I know. Honestly, it’s always been one of those details in the Bible I’ve asked myself before ‘is it really necessary to include?’ And as it always is with God, things become necessary once I realize the significance. The severed head I’m speaking of is Goliath’s. A quick… Continue reading Severing the Head
All the Numbers in the World
From the time our oldest was born, I’ve told him that I love him, “all the numbers in the world..plus 1.” I have no idea where I got that only that it has always seemed to be the most encompassing expression of how I feel for my children. That my love is beyond infinite in… Continue reading All the Numbers in the World
Unlabeled
It’s hard to enjoy the summer when your spouse suddenly isn’t with you. It’s all of the things that had always escaped your notice until they’re no longer around to do them that become the biggest reminders of their absence. Chris’s grill hasn’t been touched since he got sick. So often meals Chris would make… Continue reading Unlabeled
The Irony of Joy
1995’s Alanis Morissette’s “Isn’t it Ironic” song used to play on repeat in my car…I’d say on 8-track because that’s how old I feel at times, but I’m sure it was CD. (Anyone else remember the giant CD cases we all used to carry in our car’s, so we could listen to our music?!) Irony… Continue reading The Irony of Joy
How Serious Are You?
Two years ago I felt God clearly calling me in a different direction, and I am today more convinced than ever of His hand at work in my life. Has my journey looked like I thought it would? Absolutely not. Have I had the outward success and tangible results I thought would have happened so… Continue reading How Serious Are You?
Rooted Leaders 