“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16: 7b NIV I walked into church, a trained smile upon my lips; one that never seemed to reach my eyes. Our family was in the midst of a…
Category: Grace
I Got It God, Right?
Hands planted on her tiny two-year-old hips, she stared defiantly up into my widened eyes, declaring, “No! Levi, I got. You go clean!” Oh, the “wisdom” of Kira, our toddler daughter! She and I were babysitting for a friend, but oh, Kira believed she had this. She wanted to do it herself- without any help…
Everyday: A Day for Grace
I stumbled into the kitchen, weary from tending to a sick daughter most of the night before. Searching the cupboard I sleepily began the usual routine of making breakfast and packing lunches. Another daughter, (this one bright- eyed and bushy- tailed), appeared asking questions. Questions which made no sense at that hour, on that little…
Grace Wins
“But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 (NIV, emphasis mine) I cannot believe this is a struggle, I thought as I quietly listened. I knew her story. I knew she had an immense Biblical background. She had many family…
An Interrupted Agenda
I awoke with a start. Daylight filtered into our bedroom. No! Turning on my side, I gaped at the clock: 7:30. Mentally grumbling, I stumbled into the bathroom. How could I oversleep on a Saturday! My one day a week to work on my writing! The one day I rose early because I get to…
Taming the Tongue
My eyes widened in surprise as my face flamed. Usually even-tempered, the hot heat in my cheeks was almost visible to me. I was furious. Oh, did I ever have a ready retort, waiting to roll off my tongue. I had never been so angry. Or hurt. I was justified, any jury would agree, God…
Mindset Matters
One beautiful Saturday I was faced with a choice: think positively. find the best in the situation, and encourage my family to do the same or lead them all down the dark, grumpy road I often traveled. After a morning of work I envisioned an afternoon curled up on the couch with a new read….
Coming Clean
“Cleanse me with hyssop and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7 NIV “What does it mean to repent?” I asked the sweet ten-year-old girl before me. She glanced thoughtfully toward the ceiling, and after a moment’s consideration answered both thoroughly and succinctly, “Coming clean.” Wow. How…
Lost Love
Do you get nervous meeting new people? What will he think? What if I inadvertently offend her? First impressions matter, we’re told. Some claim employers have a good idea just 7 seconds into an interview if a candidate is a good fit. In our feeble attempt to get the job, keep the job, give a…
Missing the Mark
Instant replay caused him to instantly recoil. Ah, the director’s right! In that scene, he’d missed his mark. The taped “X” seemed to suddenly glow as he felt his face flush. How could this have happened? He knew. Although he’d rehearsed it a dozen times, he’d taken his eyes off the mark. He’d assumed his…