Poem: Create In Me

I listen to many voices

Wise, strong, loving

They don’t always agree

With each other or me.

But together, like a puzzle

I connect them and see

More of you, more of me

As we manage this life

No more strife or striving

But love and living.

Grace for each other

Grace for each day.

Like God as He made

Creation and Man

I’m learning how it feels to say

“It is very good.”

When God Says "Rest"

Has God ever asked you to begin a season of rest? I felt Him nudging me that way this past Spring. I had been busy with editing, coaching, and ministry for several months without much time for me; or Him. 

That rest time opened up in June and has not ended yet. I find myself sometimes feeling lazy, as if that's wrong. Several times I returned to my old habit of filling up space with busy work; or planning to teach classes; or planning a new book.

Each time, God sent me clear messages through the Bible, through my husband, through friends, and dreams. He was saying "What are you doing? Do you not trust me to provide? Do you not trust me to give you your next assignment? It shook me up a bit every time that happened. He has my attention.

The season ahead seems to be brand new. A blank slate. I'm resting up for what I have said "yes" to, though I don't know what that is.

I do know I can trust it's going to be in line with the passions of my heart. He's so good!

That picture above is my Daisy girl. She models rest very well. 

Psalm 127:2 - God can provide for his lovers even while they sleep! (TPT)

When You Have Nothing Left to Give

Sometimes I feel so exhausted. Yes, I am doing things I love. Yes, I'm accomplishing a lot - almost everything on my lists. Yes, I'm keeping up, almost. But sometimes I am spent. Totally spent. Like right now as my body forces me to rest with a nasty cold. How do I balance my life and avoid exhaustion? There is only one answer. I can't. But when I surrender all of this in my trust that I am not alone - I can operate from a state of rest, believing my Maker's hand is upon the things I am supposed to get done. He is My helper and my strength.

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Psalm 61:2-3 - When I'm feeble and overwhelmed by life, guide me into your glory, where I am safe and sheltered. Lord, you are a paradise of protection for me.

March 21, 2018 - Five Things a Puppy Knows About Life

1 - Life is AWESOME!
2 - Wild moments are important before naps.
3 - Love is returned with more love.
4 - The world needs to laugh.
5 - Everyone needs a friend.

Proverbs 17:22 - A joyful heart is good medicine.

Here is our new Aussiedoodle, Daisy, saying "hello" to Allison, Patsy, and Dolly.

November 10 - Time to Re-Group!

Falling leaves and brittle bushes are nature's way of preparing for a season of rest, dormancy, and protection of inner life – re-energizing for the coming Spring. How does that look in a human life? Ponder it, then respond. Re-store, re-energize, re-group, re-plenish, re-build, rest!!!!   

Ecclesiastes 3:1 - To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:

September 12 - Rest!

It’s a day to rest and read, cozy up and enjoy simple pleasures. God will bless your quiet moments. You are learning to listen; to be aware of His presence.

Mark 6:31
Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

September 7 - Blessed Relationships

Today is a sweet day, full of affection and blessing among relationships…and even while alone. Bask in its glow.

He refreshes my soul. Psalm 23:3