Legalism. Rigid. Rules. Everyone looks the same. Little diversity. Working. Working. Striving. Criticizing. Do things the way we do them. We know what is best. Structure. Rules. Do’s and don’ts. Everything is in black and white. Open wide the curtains and swing the windows open wide. Let the aroma of grace drift in. Breathe in…
It’s late in the afternoon and I am busily preparing dinner. The kitchen window is open. We’ve been given a spring-like day in the middle of winter and the fresh air has filled the room, pleasantly mixing with the aroma of dinner cooking in the oven. Breaded chicken breast smothered in tangy Italian sauce and…
The second you are born you are immersed, ankle deep, in the vast ocean of God’s grace. It is a beautiful common grace that we all experience. The ability to enjoy the gifts that God has lavished on sinful men—fresh spring days, a soft rain, a kiss from a loved one, the smell of hamburgers grilling, a warm shower, the ability to forgive…and…
It was a crisp fall day. My son was running a half marathon and our entire family was there to cheer him on. I sat in front of a huge bonfire overlooking a beautiful, scenic valley. A mist had settled over the mountains in the distance and the sun was trying to peek through the…
It was a Saturday afternoon and Brian and I needed to get a few things at the drug store. We entered the store, went our separate ways, and met back at the cash register. While waiting for the cashier to ring up our items and put them in a bag, we looked at what we…
He walks through the front door and finds me slumped on the couch, watching a movie. Closing the door behind him, he asks, “Is there anything to eat?” “I don’t know…” I mumble… “I already ate.” I continue watching my movie. He is left to fend for himself. He walks into the kitchen and grabs a…
So many hopes and dreams. They started as small seeds planted. Anticipating. Dreaming. Praying…almost losing hope. Now I am older and they are still there…those dreams. Yes. They are still there. Some have come to fruition, some are in process.Confusion sometimes enters in, then the dreams seem distorted and out of place. A storm swirling,…
“I wasn’t a good mom..” she said recently. I don’t know of any mom who actually believes in her heart of hearts that she is good mom. We know ourselves too well. We have a mental list of all the things we’ve done poorly. We have desires, goals and aspirations, but are unable to reach…
