Making Space for Lament
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)
Do you feel like the world is falling apart?
It’s a story that spans throughout history. A broken world in need of a savior.
While we as Christians have our hope in Christ, we neglect our souls if we hold onto that hope with a shallow faith. We must go deeper.
Kindness
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 ESV
It started in kindergarten. Daily, the boy next to me would motion like scissors cutting at his tongue, telling me the teachers would cut out my tongue if I talked during nap time.
The Impact of Community
We are shaped by our community in so many ways. Community contributes to our identity, our self-talk, our confidence, our happiness, and so much more.
The impact of community also shifts and changes over time. I have been shaped by several communities throughout my life’s journey. Sometimes community has played a positive impact in my life, but sadly, at times, it has also been quite negative.
Faith and Hope in the Waiting
Romans 15:13 ~ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
People sometimes ask me why I smile so much. Honestly, I spent time many years ago on the dark side of that smile. A time when I felt little to no hope.* A time referred to spiritually as “The Wall.”
Perseverance, Grace, and Good Enough
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
I’ve set a goal to read through the Bible from cover to cover in 2023. As I recently sat on my couch and read a few chapters, I looked at the date of where I am versus where I "should be." I felt a little pang of guilt when I realized I'm about a week behind.
Your Life, Your Heart
February is typically thought of as the “heart” month. It’s the time that we celebrate our love through Valentine's cards, candy, and gifts. Our thoughts turn to love and romance and all things associated with the heart.
A Purposeful 2023
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12: 30-31 (NIV)