My spiritual life until age thirty was downright boring. I grew up with parents sold out to Christ and His kingdom, but I was merely a bystander watching them using their gifts, convinced that I truly had none of my own. And so each Sunday would roll around. I would dutifully sit in my pew, sing the songs as a member of the congregation, open my Bible during the sermon, and try to suppress the … [Read more...] about Chosen
purpose
Out of the Mouths of Babes
"Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, Because of Your enemies, That You may silence the enemy and the avenger." Psalm 8:2 I was flying 30,000 feet in the air on a way to speak to a group of women in Texas. I felt dry, empty, and terrified about what I could possibly offer to anyone because my life felt upside down. My prayers seemed to only be reaching … [Read more...] about Out of the Mouths of Babes
Bread Baking Messes
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."Romans 5:8 (NIV)Yesterday my almost ten-year-old daughter asked me, "Mom, have you ever made bread?"I laughed at out loud at the memory that question evoked. My sister was Jenna's age and my older daughter was my age (12) when we decided to open our own bakery in the bush of Congo. Our family would … [Read more...] about Bread Baking Messes
Favorite Quotes from Oswald Chambers
Many of us have read Oswald Chambers book, My Utmost For His Highest. Here are some of my favorite quotes that I go back to for perspective:"Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work." "Have you been asking God what He is going to do? He will never tell you. God does not tell you what He is going to do; He reveals to you Who He is." "It is inbred in us that we have to … [Read more...] about Favorite Quotes from Oswald Chambers
Ditching the Training Wheels
"All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained." Philippians 3:15-16 (NIV)I couldn't remember a time when I was more excited in my eight years of living. I had received my purple bike with its flower covered banana seat and its high-winged handle bars … [Read more...] about Ditching the Training Wheels
Why This Need for Approval?
"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."Galatians 1:10 (NIV)So I am going to tell on myself here. It is after midnight. I was just about to lie down to drift off into la-la land when I suddenly realized that my dishes downstairs were not done and the kitchen looked like it had … [Read more...] about Why This Need for Approval?
