One Quiet Life

In this first, quiet month I am: ~ enjoying reading at a much slower pace ~seeing how much my Bible study, daily Bible reading, and other reading are fitting together. Some difficult, but necessary lessons. ~planning to share what I'm learning soon. At least portions of it. ~reconciling myself to the fact that I can't stop high school graduation or the ensuing departure for college. I might have cried when reading college acceptance letters. ~watching the Lord unfurl my girl's wings in preparation for her flight from the nest. ~curious to know what the empty nest will feel like, and trying hard not to think about it. ~happy for seasonable weather, at long last! ~savoring the empty spaces left behind by Christmas decorations tucked away again. ~revamping my homekeeping schedule, marveling at how much better it works for me, and wondering why it's taken me so long.  ~learning the importance of balance in all things. ~accepting the necessary place qu...

Just two weeks into my 2016 reading plan and I'm already reaping the benefit of reading less and thinking more. The slower pace gives me space to tie my reading together and apply it. Though beneficial, I can't say it's entirely fun. In fact, this extended pondering has led to conviction and brokeness. Read the rest here ...

I've long struggled with the place reading has in my life. I've decided to control my reading this year, instead of letting it control me. You can take a peek at my reading list by joining me at Out of the Ordinary.

God's promised Messiah was a merciful gift of love to a people who needed both mercy and love. He could come to them in all their pain, brokenness, and struggle, and make everything new. They were desperate for this, and the proof of their desperation was perhaps most evident in the fact that they couldn't bring themselves to live as though this promise was real. ~Russ Ramsey, Behold the Lamb of God The gift of the Messiah is no less merciful today. Right here, right now. In the midst of my sinfulness - my stubborn pride, my harsh words, my critical spirit - God's mercy through Christ pours over me. I am in need of mercy and love. Oh! how great is that need! He meets it, without fail. He comes into my pain, brokeness, and struggle every day. Every day. Yet I am so wrapped up in my flesh that I forget God became flesh and dwelt among men in order to redeem me from this broken world. From suffering and sorrow. From sin and guilt. Like the children of Israel, I am desp...

I'm sharing them at Out of the Ordinary this week. Click on over and join me.

I'm your mama now. Coming from anyone else, it would have been presumptuous. Only a few days had passed since I held Mama's hands and whispered goodbye. Yet there she was, the beautiful lady holding my hands and looking at me with eyes full of motherly love. In reality she had already been mothering me for a long time, but on that day the Lord knit our hearts together even more tightly. Lately I've been leaning on her more than usual. She understands my need for Christmas . She listens. She prays for me. She loves me well. I am the daughter she didn't have. She is the mother I now have. I know Mama would understand. She would approve. Several of my friends have written thought-provoking articles about women's ministry recently ( Persis' post here links to all the others). Although I'm late to the discussion, I've spent a great deal of time pondering where I fit into women's ministry. I still don't have the answers, but I do know that I...

I'm not sure when I've been so happy to turn the calendar page. October was suddenly and unexpectedly difficult this year. Grieving with friends through tragedy. Marking my girl's final birthday at home. Senior year expenses that I'm quite sure will never end. Walking with my girl through the stress of college essays and applications. A painful truth that I didn't want to acknowledge, but can no longer ignore. Though even in these trials the Lord has been good, knowing that hasn't erased the hard of it all. There were days when I wanted nothing more than to crawl under my covers and weep. October is gone and I am relieved. I am thankful . In this month of gratitude, I am: ~Just finished with a book that was so beautifully written , it took my breath away at times ~Thrilled that the college applications have nearly all been submitted ~Anxiously awaiting to see where the Lord will place my girl next year ~Planning ways to make this holid...