Recently I experienced the birth of my second child, and have survived the first couple months. Unlike with my first child, where I didn’t have many close friends who had babies yet, this go-round I’ve traded some battle wounds, text message prayer requests, and swapped stories with some other moms. I’ve gone through the recent swirl…
Putting on My Happy Face
A friend of mine recently confessed that she’d like to be more thankful, to complain less and to realize God’s blessings in her life. I’ve been thinking about this a lot. Something in me knows that it’s also something I should pray for too. But something in me also rejects the idea. Don’t get me…
What do you thirst for more than God?
A sermon at our church talked about how Jesus as he hung on the cross asked for something to drink and how he was served sour wine instead – yet another betrayal and mockery Jesus didn’t deserve. The sermon questioned why Jesus would ask for something when he knew the outcome, and it was because…
Chosen for More
I open Ephesians today after picking up the house a bit. I intentionally had turned the radio off, which means my mind swirled with the following thoughts: How does this house get so messy so fast? Maybe I need to reinforce cleaning up toys a bit more with Eli. Or maybe I will wait until…
The Sin of Self Evaluation
One of my biggest temptations is to evaluate my life. From big questions to small questions, the drumbeat of my head is asking the same overarching question, “Is everything okay?”, “Am I okay?”, “Is my family okay?”. These then splinter into a host of questions like the following: Was today a good or bad day? Am I…
The Will of God for Tired Moms
Yesterday was one of those days. I was overwhelmed by everything. I cried at the drop of a hat. I said things I regret. We recently became a family of four just a couple of weeks ago, and as I was sitting in the chair nursing our brand new baby girl, all I could think is,…
Ultimate Purpose
God provided one thing that the world cannot: purpose. An ultimate purpose, able to conquer any worldly pursuit. Purpose is what makes our hearts beat a little faster. It is what we can be most proud of in our life, for we know it is worth a sacrifice. Anything else is temporary. If my purpose…
Less is more
This morning I read John 3:30, that says: He must increase, I must decrease. The instruction is straightforward and clear: I must become less. I must find my complete self in him. I must run to him to find my value. Losing myself means gaining everything that is pure and true and good. He lives!…
How He Loves Us
It’s been a little over a week since our son Eli was born into this world. As I look back at the entire experience, and even what has happened since his birth, I am floored by it. When he is in my arms, I notice all of his perfect features and all of the detail…
The Heavens Declare the Glory of God
Today I read out of an old devotional and feel amazed at how powerful God is, how I can see his handiwork all around me, and how he sustains not only my life but our future child’s life. When I look around at God’s power, I can’t help but also ask to God, “what is…
Comfort in the Power of God
This morning, I’m in Isaiah, a book that is filled with truths about who God is and how he pursues us. This particular passage shows me what comfort I should have in reflecting on the power of who God is. I, I am he who comforts you; who are you that you are afraid of man…
Grace in the Gravel 