Christians are a people of contradiction: Rejoicing but mourning, satisfied but empty, strengthened but weak, righteous but sinning. In faith we hold an impossible tension between the now and the not yet,Citizens of a kingdom united, yet fractured,and so preeminent that it can hold all the pieces. We worship beside people who often think and vote differently. Can we still … Continue reading The Gift of Tension
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How Quiet Time had Become an Idol
"Blessed is the one whose delight is in the law of the Lord and… " Can I tell you I am glad the psalm does not continue, "And this law he reads for an hour every day before his tasks"? Thank you, Jesus! I love to read the Word. I love to have quiet time. … Continue reading How Quiet Time had Become an Idol
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Why I Was Overwhelmed with Two Kids but Thriving with Four
There are many stages of life when I had felt overwhelmed before. Like when I was a busy college student; when I was working full time, adjusting to marriage, while also learning to manage a home, plus the office for a non-profit; or then when I was at home with my first baby. But my … Continue reading Why I Was Overwhelmed with Two Kids but Thriving with Four
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The Purpose of Discipline: Connection
The connection of discipline She's struggling. I watch her--bouncing from one thing to another, harassing her sister, discontent with what’s in the pantry, and looking for trouble. She needs something--more than a snack, more than something to do, more than an attitude adjustment. There is something not settled in her heart that is causing her … Continue reading The Purpose of Discipline: Connection
The Remedy for Scorn is Delight – Psalm 1, part 2
Recently the Holy Spirit convicted me of my habit of being a scoffer. Since then, my every thought or statement has been filtered through whether or not it is scornful. This has been work. But in the process he showed me a remedy: to delight in God's character. I used to delight in my own … Continue reading The Remedy for Scorn is Delight – Psalm 1, part 2
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Who Are the Scornful, and Am I One of Them? Psalm 1, part 1
The book of Psalms starts with this blessing: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked nor stands in the way of sinners nor sits in the seat of the scornful. Interesting negative blessing. Blessed is the one who does not do these things. I'm pretty good at not following … Continue reading Who Are the Scornful, and Am I One of Them? Psalm 1, part 1
Discipline with Gentleness – How Relying on God’s Kindness Can Transform Our Children
Lately I have taken to listening to the Bible app on my phone. (Reading a "real Bible" is tricky with a toddler. Who knew?) I was recently sweeping the kitchen while listening to Galatians, and I heard it as though God himself was teaching me how to discipline my children--with gentleness. You know how your … Continue reading Discipline with Gentleness – How Relying on God’s Kindness Can Transform Our Children
No, You Can’t Wash My Feet! and other stubborn things we tell Jesus
Peter is so impetuous. "No, you can't wash my feet!" We laugh at his audacity to tell Jesus what he can and can't do. "Oh Jesus, you're ridiculous... There's no need... I am able to wash my own feet... Don't worry yourself over li'l ol' me. Don't bother... Don't get so close... No, really--back off, … Continue reading No, You Can’t Wash My Feet! and other stubborn things we tell Jesus
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The Fruit of Pruning
Pruning is a careful but severe act. A branch that is pruned does not look the same. The branches that are pruned sometimes look hopelessly dead--for a time. The gardener doesn't only cut stems of the branch that are unhealthy but ones that are perfectly good. These cuts are not to harm the branch but … Continue reading The Fruit of Pruning
What Are the Greater Things?
Were you one of the highly impressionable, highly motivated, highly committed young people who was determined to "do great things for God" when you were younger? I remember those days. Nothing was good enough unless it was God's best. No career choice was weighed unless it wouldn't interfere with the possibility of mission work. No … Continue reading What Are the Greater Things?