More than Unbroken

I was recently blessed to take a 24 hour writing retreat. A friend loaned me a space about an hour away from home so there would be no distractions. I was skeptical at first. It seemed like another fun overnight opportunity.  On the way, I picked up groceries, and when I arrived, I did not leave until the next morning. It was a grueling, beautiful day of researching, writing, and praying. It's amazing what God will speak when things are quiet enough for me to hear His voice. This new experience helped me to finally understand the significance of why Jesus took time away from the crowds. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. (Luke 5:16 NIV) One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. (Luke 6:19 NIV) Multiple times in the Gospels, Jesus separates from the noise and gets alone with God. After following His example, I understand why this time is so very sacred. Our lives are filled with never-ending tasks to be complet...

We have all asked this question at some point in our lives. My mom is notorious for asking it when she can tell I am sad or overwhelmed. I usually don't know how to respond. Most of the time, I ask this question when someone is in crisis. Depending on the nature or severity of the crisis, I tend to feel like a fast food cashier simply asking, "Can I take your order." It also amazes me that some people approach delicate situations with an attitude of, "What do you expect me to do about it." Sometimes we can't do anything in a bad situation. We may be able to provide temporary relief or comfort. In life, however, we can do nothing without God. Too often, we find ourselves pulled in so many directions that we are unable to provide any comfort or words of advice when there is a struggle. But what if God is the One we are too busy to serve? There are a number of Bible stories that reveal human nature within the plan of God. Today, I'm going with Moses. Credit...

March 2021, I was in the middle of a little finger crisis. If you have just started reading my blog, I'd love for you to look back to the Finger Chronicles, as I have come to call them. In summary, I broke my right pinky finger, resulting in surgery to place a screw, followed by three months of physical therapy and some permanent loss of motion in that digit. Because I'm right-handed, this little break wreaked some havoc on my life, and I found myself pleading with God to heal me so I could return to playing piano. Well, God promised to heal me. But He told me I would be healed to write. And He gently whispered that the writing would move from blogging into writing a book. This revelation took me by complete surprise. I never dreamed I would be willing or want to share my heart in writing. The idea of writing a book was both exciting and terrifying. Nonetheless, I have learned to take God at His Word, so I prayerfully began seeking more in-depth areas of independent study to ho...

One of my favorite Bible heroes is David. From his humble beginnings as a shepherd to one of the most renowned kings in history, David is described as a "man after God's own heart." God didn't change His opinion of David when he sinned. Because David repented and turned back to God, he was able to be used throughout his life.  But have you ever read Psalms? David is credited with writing most of the Psalms, and his emotions are all over the place! Maybe this is one reason I can identify with David. He poured his heart out onto the pages of this book.  PSALM 103 of David 1Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— 3who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 6The Lord works righteousness and justice for al...

I believe in church kids and youth camps.   Maybe it’s because this is where I experienced so many spiritual encounters at a young age. We waited on a move from God. Our hearts were eager and open to it. Never underestimate the power of pausing in the altars. The power comes in the pause. Perhaps it has to do with how I was given freedom to develop artistically for Christ through music and drama. This integral part of my DNA was nurtured and given a place in the church setting. No, there’s so much more to camp than just being away from home. Maybe the reason it’s so great is because I saw and felt seen by others who were like me. Kids and teenagers who wanted to live out their life for Jesus as best they could. There’s strength in numbers, and time at camp was like a refilling station for my spiritual self. I don’t know why I love youth and kids camp so much. Maybe it’s because of the friendships that were forged during my core memory years that still exist today. I met Pastor Chuc...