She knows nothing but shining. She twirls, head back, her laugh a waterfall, cascading, filling the room. I laugh too, holding her damp starfish hands in my own, twirling with her, jumping, dancing. Unencumbered. Right then, as I dance with Heidi, I feel how God intended us to feel. Wildly loved. Cherished. Beautiful. Uninhibited. Free. I […]
“And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified by the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Cor. 6:11 ~ Sunday night we sat under the birch tree for one last outdoor gathering of church. We were discussing–as a church family–where we wanted […]
School starts next week and calendars are quickly filling. Does your weekly schedule include: Discipling my children to know and love God? Although Sunday school, kid’s programs, vacation Bible school, and AWANAs are all awesome, no one has more power to influence your child for Jesus than YOU. You are the most important person, your […]
In a place (again) of asking God about upcoming life plans and needs, and Him leading me (again) to this lesson about surrender. How gracious He is to draw us back to a place of re-learning this sweet and difficult truth. Friends, I pray this can take root in your heart today. Thanks so much… […]
Yesterday it was 2pm before I left the kitchen. Why? Why am I always there? Do any other moms feel like this? Yes, we cook all our food from scratch. Yes, we have lots of (wonderful!) people over for dinner. Yes, we’re taking in lots of produce from our garden and other generous gardeners. Yes, […]
Although our house is ugly as all get out, it’s mercifully improved by a lively patch of landscape adorning the front. There are lilacs, rhododendrons, irises, and a dozen other luscious green things which I cannot name. The whole huge patch is full of green and every time I pull into the driveway I smile–it just […]
Happy Memorial Day! How was the first week of the One Another Challenge? I found the word “challenge” appropriate. It was interesting how God truly “challenged” me in the particular one-another of each day. Relationships are rich, fulfilling, rewarding, and … challenging. How about you? What have you discovered during our first week? *Just joining us? […]
You feel the tug. The war. The battle. We talked about it here. Your desires going back and forth. How do we win? How are we freed, victorious, sanctified … changed? We are sanctified by the Holy Spirit changing what we want. He changes our desires. That is why the true work of the Spirit is always from […]
*Focusing on Christ this week. Begin here and join us … Monday’s Reading: Matthew 21:12-22, Mark 11:12-19, Luke 19:45-46, Luke 21:37-38 ~ Jesus entered the temple. Matthew 21:12 Jesus arrived in Jerusalem and entered the temple. It is not a sweet and peaceful scene. Contrary to popular belief, Jesus is not “nice.” He’s ferociously loving. […]
*Note: For those of you interested in the Food Stamp Challenge topic. There is a new documentary out called Food Stamped, a couple who did the same challenge that we did. This documentary is showing this Monday, February 20th at 7pm at the Baghdad Theater at 7pm. Admission is free with donation to Oregon Food Bank. […]