I took breathing for granted until I developed asthma. I had years of inhaling and exhaling without giving it a second thought — I mean, isn’t respiration supposed to be automatic? And then, within months of my family’s move to Colorado, suddenly my chest got tight when I worked out at the gym. No big deal, right? I didn’t have …
In Others’ Words: When You Can’t
There are days I wake up thinking about all the things I have to do — and how I probably won’t get them done. Of course, those are the days where I fell asleep the night before thinking about all the things I had to do when I woke up in the morning … and all the things I left …
In Others’ Words: Hope
“This is the day which the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24 NASB) For months now, my husband and I have been starting our mornings by speaking aloud Psalm 118:24. Doing so gives me hope. In Your Words: What renews your hope? On Sunday I’m selecting — with the help of …
In Others’ Words: Incarnation
There’s such a beguiling invitation in Paul Miller’s explanation of prayer … I’ve heard prayer described as a conversation between me and God. I’ve been taught the importance of both “letting my requests be made known” (talking to God) and “being still and knowing” (listening for God). And then I stumble to my knees, humbled by the idea of prayer …
In Others’ Words: Stop
Lately it seems I end each day thinking about what I didn’t accomplish and how all those undone things are piling on top of the next day’s To Do list. I head for my bedroom, brush my teeth, wash my face, crawl into bed and snuggle next to my husband as he prays … and then I think about all …
In Others’ Words: When God Shows Up
How has God showed up for you? Last night Jerri Marr spoke at the church my family attends. Who is Jerri Marr, you ask? She’s a 26-year veteran of the U.S. Forest Service and more importantly to thousands of people in Colorado Springs this past summer, Jerri was the voice of calm and hope during the Waldo Canyon Fire. She talked briefly …
In Others’ Words: Confidence (& book giveaway)
“It’s better to do something about one thing than nothing about everything.” ~My One Word: Change Your Life With Just One Word by Mike Ashcraft & Rachel Olsen Early in December — so last year! — I shared my one word for 2013: Confidence. And then the so-generous Melanie at OnlyABreath.com made me — and many, many others …
In Others’ Words: Christmas Prayer
We yearn, our Father, for the simple beauty of Christmas — for all the old familiar melodies and words that remind us of that great miracle when He who made all things was one night to come as a babe, to like in the crook of a woman’s arm. Before such mystery we kneel, as we follow the shepherds …
In Others’ Words: On a Hummingbird’s Wing and a Prayer
After eight years living in Niceville, FL (yes, Niceville), my roots ran deep into Florida’s sandy soil. My kids were happy. My husband was happy with his job at Eglin Air Force Base. And me? I was happy too. I treasured a wonderful circle of friends, taught women’s Bible studies and helped lead the women’s ministry at my church. My …
In Others’ Words: Refusal
Last Monday’s blog post, “Hope and Having,” spurred a lot of conversation — including a fun bit of back and forth with my friend I call “Wise Guy.” If you’ve read this blog for a while, you’ve probably heard me mention “Wise Guy” before. I call him that because … well, he is a guy who is very, very wise. …