More than Unbroken

This week, I went on an adventure. Now, don’t get too excited. We went to kids camp. During the day, there are multiple activities to choose. I went kayaking. The only other time I’ve been kayaking was last summer at camp. I didn’t have any major disasters then, so I thought it would be worth another go. As one of the adult leaders, I paired up with a child from another church. She had been a couple of times with her grandmother, but our combined experience is nothing to speak of. My first step was to get the kayak in the water. Simple. I step into the muck and discover that the softened, goo-like mud is an illusion of security where there is nothing solid on which to stand. But that’s another blog. After my two experiences with kayaking, I’ve discovered something pretty special. Kayaking in pairs is like our relationship with God. When both people are in sync, the boat glides easily through the water. Even getting off of a hidden cypress stump is no match for a pair working together. ...

This week, our church finished vacation Bible school. As the kids pastor, I’m a little relieved, but also relishing in what we discussed. This year, our kids learned that what they do can change the world around them. This message is appropriate for everyone, not just kids. Think about it. If I begin my day with a sarcastic comment to my husband, this causes him to feel badly. His response may not be directed at me, but he may lash out at our kids or a friend. The cycle continues on throughout the day all because I didn’t use kindness when I should have. “The tongue can bring death or life...” Proverbs‬ ‭18:21‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Our words have tremendous power to either build someone up or crush their spirit. If I begin my day with a kind word to my husband, my kids, and my coworkers, I am creating a ripple effect of positivity. We need so much more of this in our world. Likewise, our actions speak volumes about our character. Do we really follow through with how we talk? Do we really try to buil...

There is a little voice in my head that reminds me of how I am constantly failing. Do you have one? Mine loves to convince me that I’m not good enough (no matter what I’m trying to accomplish). It makes me compare myself to other moms and tells me that these super-moms have it all together and I will never be like them. One of its favorite murmurings is that everyone knows I shouldn’t have status or position. Sometimes, the voice is more subtle. It makes me wonder if people are genuine in their praise or if they are just being polite. Even worse, it makes me question whether I really heard from God or if it was just me. I can admit that I have had a lifelong struggle with unworthiness. It’s easy to feel overlooked and forgotten. Personally, I spent many years basing my feelings of love and worth on what others said and how they acted.   This was a particular struggle when I experienced hurt from Christian people. It took me a long time to realize that all people, even Christians,...

It’s been a busy week for our family. In fact, the month of June is booked up with activities and events for us. In the busyness, I have to re-align my heart to God’s to make sure I don’t wind up going through the motions of a busy schedule. This week in particular, I have felt like the world is somewhat swirling around me and I’m just keeping up. I don’t love feeling like things are out of control, but t am learning that these moments of chaos are simple reminders to enjoy the peace that God has given us.  I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John‬ ‭14:27‬ ‭NLT‬ So many people in the world are on a quest to find peace. Our Peace is Jesus. When we rest in Him and truly give Hm our fears and worries, His presence is a soothing balm for a weary mind and heart. Are you sharing this peace with the world? There is no major point today. I hardly knew how to put my feelings into words. T...