On a cool, fall day a few years ago, I took my toddler for a walk. As I pushed the stroller down the hill toward our house, I saw a woman standing in front of my neighbor’s yard, staring at the ground. As I got closer, she stood up with a bright look in her eyes. “Bluebonnets!” she exclaimed, “In November!” I looked down, and sure enough, there was a beautiful cluster of brightly-colored bluebonnets (a strictly spring flower) in the flowerbed. I stuttered out something like, “Wow!” as tears ... VIEW POST
Ecclesiastes 3:11: He Makes All Things Beautiful
Joel 2:25: Creating Beauty from Ashes
If you’ve been on this planet for more than a few minutes, you’ve probably experienced seasons of suffering or disappointment. Maybe you’re in one of those seasons right now. In the middle of unbearable pain or shattered plans, we often cling to the hope of what’s to come. Sometimes it feels like hope is only reserved for heaven, when God will restore all brokenness. But I believe the Lord wants to show us glimpses of His restoration right here, right now. I’ve recently come out of a season ... VIEW POST
1 Kings 3:9: Seeking the Wisdom to Lead
Soon after Solomon became King of Israel, the Lord visited him in a dream. Posing what I suspect was a test of Solomon’s character, the Lord asked him, “What do you want? Ask and I will give it to you.” I’m not sure I would have known how to answer, but Solomon didn’t seem to hesitate. His request was simple: he longed for wisdom. Solomon explained to God that he felt like a child who didn’t know his way around, finding himself ruling over God’s own people, a nation too ... VIEW POST
Galatians 5:25: Keep in the Step with the Spirit
When you read “keep in step with the Spirit,” what comes to mind? When I first read this verse, I thought it meant to live in harmony with the Holy Spirit—to live alongside each other, like roommates. But “keeping in step” actually refers to walking in line behind a leader. That changes how I view these words. It’s more like lining up in preschool and following the leader wherever they take you. When I translate this to mom-life, I’m prone to think of myself as the leader. I want my kids to ... VIEW POST
John 7:38: Streams of Living Water
Last summer we had one of those weeks. You know the kind. It was an endless stream of unexpected challenges, seemingly designed by the enemy to beat us down. First, our A/C went out, then my youngest came down with a double ear infection. Overwhelmed, the kids and I loaded up in the van to seek solace at our friend’s pool. I pushed the ignition. Click, click, click...my battery was dead. It was enough to make me want to throw my arms up in defeat. But as I unloaded the boys from the car, I ... VIEW POST
Luke 11:1: Teaching Our Kids How To Pray
From the moment our babies are born, they depend on us to teach them how to live. We teach them how to eat and how to walk–I even remember a particularly funny morning when I taught my son how to blow his nose. There is so much they don’t know, and it is our duty (and joy) as mothers to teach them. Of course, some things are more easily taught than others. One area in which I felt particularly ill-equipped to lead my children was their faith. I barely knew how to pray–how was I supposed ... VIEW POST
