Dear Church, It’s time we do better. Pastors, leaders, elders, deacons, congregants, volunteers, givers. Collectively. It’s time. Let’s. Do. Better. The church is meant to be a place of restoration, reconciliation, and redemption. It’s supposed to be a safe place. Instead, we’ve experienced retaliation and rejection. Again. I grieve for the bitter tastes of organized … Continue reading Dear Church
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Fear and Love
One of my biggest fears is the fear of abandonment. Loved ones leaving. Being left out or left behind. Being overlooked or forgotten, especially by those closest to me. And that reinforces the fear that I’m not good enough, that I’m not worthy. It’s something that I often come back to in counseling as I … Continue reading Fear and Love
Refocus on the Father
For the past four weeks, we’ve been establishing rhythms and trying to find a balance between work and play and rest. I’ve been studying some Psalms and I’m inspired by David, by how he kept turning to God, kept trusting His timing and His ways. In the face of trouble and suffering, David continued to … Continue reading Refocus on the Father
Trust Him in the Trouble
Today was the first day of school for my four kids at three different schools. In a new district, a new city, a new state. It was also my first day at my new job! Lots of firsts, lots of amazing things. But there were also moments of heartache and struggle. Trouble comes in all … Continue reading Trust Him in the Trouble
Making Space
Make room. Make space. Clean house. Get ready. Clean the inside of the cup. Prepare Him room. Prepare my heart. You’ve brought me out into a spacious place. You rescued me because You delighted in me. I typed these words into a note on my phone on May 11th. I didn’t know the fullness of … Continue reading Making Space
Peace
As Advent comes to a close, I've been reflecting on the fourth and final theme: peace. To me, peace is a result of assurance and trust. It's often quiet, still, silent. No matter what’s happening on the outside, I can have peace and wholeness on the inside. Even in uncertainty and in the face of … Continue reading Peace
Just Hold On
Sometimes all we can do is hold on. And that's okay. It's been a rough couple weeks in my neck of the woods, and I found great comfort in those words. It's okay if you're just holding on. Just make sure you're holding on to God. Recently I found myself in heavy agreement with Psalm … Continue reading Just Hold On
My Race to Run 