A Touch of Inspiration

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I love a good quote—especially one that causes me to stop and ponder its depth and meaning. There is a thrill in learning and growing through God’s work in the lives of others.

We are crazy-blessed to have a glimpse into the Christ-walk of not only our contemporary leaders, but also of those who have gone before us. Their godly wisdom echoes across time.

So take a few moments and “listen” to the words of these faithful pilgrims of the faith. Draw encouragement and insight from their journeys. Take joy in the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

The following are a few of my favorites:  Continue reading

The Conversation

untitled (4)I  had an interesting conversation the other day.

 It went something like this:

Holy Spirit’s prompting: Be still.

Me: Um, what?

Holy Spirit’s prompting: Be still and know.

Me: Um, I am still, Lord. I’m sitting on the couch, watching TV and surfing the web.

Holy Spirit’s prompting: Be still and know that I am God.

Me: Seriously, Lord. I’m not moving a muscle (besides my fingers). It’s been a crazy-long day and I need some down time. So, yeah. I’m taking a break. Totally still.  Continue reading

Sweet Refreshment

Refresh the weary

Do you have a favorite refreshment on a warm spring or summer day? A glass of iced tea, maybe? A dip in the pool? A front-porch swing?

I like to walk under the oak trees in our yard and close my eyes against the wind—to leave technology behind and pause to listen to nature’s symphony.

Our closest neighbors are whippoorwills, tree frogs, cardinals and crickets. Their conversations are fascinating. 

Throw in a Diet Dr. Pepper and call it joy.  Continue reading

Overwhelmed

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On Palm Sunday, I stood beside my sweetheart and joined with other worshipers in singing of the death and resurrection of Jesus. We sang several songs, but one song, one phrase, has continued to echo in my heart.

It’s from Chris Tomlin’s I Will Rise:

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

“And the grave is overwhelmed…”

We know what it’s like to be overwhelmed. Life is messy and stuff happens—sickness, betrayal, loss, financial hardship, (and the list goes on). Sometimes it seems we can’t take one. More. Thing.  Continue reading

Seeds of Inspiration

Happy spring! Yay, sunshine!

This week, I have the honor of being featured in an interview with historical fiction author, Elaine Marie Cooper. During the publishing process for Ribbons, Lace, and Moments of Grace, Elaine was an amazing source of prayerful support and wisdom. She is also a fellow columnist with Almost An Author where she encourages writers on their writing journeys.

From her website:  Continue reading

A Time to Celebrate!

After almost two years of writing, praying, editing, waiting, and more praying, it’s time to have a party! You are invited to a celebration of praise to the One Who made it all possible.

The beautiful pictures are some of the giveaways at the party. All you have to do is attend (online!) and enjoy the fun. There will be wedding trivia, shared memories, and excerpts from Ribbons, Lace, and Moments of Grace.

I am forever grateful to these dear loved ones for their contributions to the event. These writers and artists are incredibly talented and I encourage you to check out their links.  Continue reading

The Love of Counting

wordcloud1In The Joy of Counting, we looked at our counting habits—our urge to count everything from social media likes and friends, to calories and cash.

And how this constant numbering can be burdensome and leave us empty (remember the calories-hating thing?)

But there is good news. Our urge to count is not a defect—it’s an inherited trait from our Creator. We just get a little off track from the intended purpose.

Scripture has exciting examples of God counting and it gives us a beautiful picture of His heart.

In addition to our Creator numbering the stars, He also counts…  Continue reading

The Joy of Counting

numbersMy toddler grandsons love to count. Chairs, stuffed animals, toys, ears, toes, freckles, trees, stars—you name it—they will count it.

The joy of counting begins early. One-two buckle my shoe anyone?

But somewhere along the way the simple pleasure of numbering gets distorted.

As adults, we place a numerical value on everything—calories, steps, social media likes and follows, friends, points, wins, clients, money, possessions, etc.

Three-four I want some more.

But all this counting makes me feel like I’m…I don’t know…missing something.  Continue reading