My heart awakens the deep places within me. Never mind the foggy darkness outside my window. The heart never knows the time on a clock, only the times and seasons catch its attention. When it is awake, I pay attention no matter what the clock says. So, I am up, on my knees in the … Continue reading Heart for the Nations
Inspiration
Shelter in Place
The birds are singing as if they know a secret I do not. Their joyful song dances around on the cool breeze. Unlike me, they don’t have a care in the world. They flit from branch to branch, following me along the trail to sing over me. As usual, they sing a chorus together, each … Continue reading Shelter in Place
Be Brave
The definition of bravery is the quality or state of showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty. Showing no fear in times of trouble does not mean there is no fear. It means walking into a scary time prepared to meet the challenge. Brave comes from the word bravo, which means … Continue reading Be Brave
Before and After
This blog was originally written in March 2020 just as the pandemic was arriving in America. A year later I have adapted it because it still fits! Now, as I try to process this past year it feels surreal, yet God is not surprised. We might be wondering how this crisis could happen, but he … Continue reading Before and After
Dis-appointment
We call something that happens at an appointed time an appointment. We put it on our calendar and we plan our lives around it. Sometimes our calendars get so filled up with our appointed times we have little room for things that are not appointed. Our culture is okay with this because we all live … Continue reading Dis-appointment
Batten Down the Hatches
Prepare for a storm. Get ready. Equip yourself for trouble. The old 18th century nautical phrase, batten down the hatches, was coined when sailors, literally nailed battens (wooden rods) over tarps to prevent water from flooding into the hatch of a ship during a storm. It was a preventative measure to keep the ship from … Continue reading Batten Down the Hatches
Follow Me
I went to a party this weekend. It was a gathering of family I hadn’t met yet. Have you ever had those kinds of encounters, where you meet people and you know you belong together? It just feels as if you were cut from the same cloth. It happened like that at a celebration of … Continue reading Follow Me
Compounded Grace
My last blog was about compounded grief, this one is about...compounded grace. Grace resting upon grace. Layering one grace-act upon the other until there is a foundation of solid rock. Compounded grace is beyond feelings. Beyond belief. It is there whether I believe in it or not. This grace counters the grief upon grief … Continue reading Compounded Grace
Dear 2019
Dear 2019, You are the last year of a decade, which means you are special. I am even more reflective because of your “end of the decade” status. You certainly had some twists and turns. Some ups and downs. You were like a flurry of hope at the beginning. Aren’t all new years? My list … Continue reading Dear 2019
Meek and Mild
Meek and mild. A baby. A manger. Silent night, holy night. Quiet. Calm. Gentle. Words we think of this time of year. A far cry from the God who rolls away stones, but do not mistake meekness for weakness. No, meekness is the secret weapon of God. It is the least expected way of doing … Continue reading Meek and Mild
Michelle's Mosaic 