More than Unbroken

I knew it was coming. Physically, my body began manifesting signs of it before my mind would give in. The tired, achy bones seemed to overwhelm me. Yet, things had to be done. If only I could make it to the end of August. September. October. Then I would have some relief. What can I say? I’m a glutton for punishment. The fact is, I quit teaching theatre over the summer so I could focus more on my family. Unfortunately, for nine years, I have been used to busyness during the fall season. Despite everything I walked away from, I found myself with more to do. I proceeded to fill my proverbial plate with things that were easily justified as family-focused. The problem is that my family wasn’t my focus. It happens quite easily. We see things that are important. The world needs to be fixed. And we know just how to fix everything (and sometimes everyone!). How so very simple it is for the enemy to slither in and whisper that things outside of the home matter more than what happens inside our ...

Yesterday was my husband’s birthday. As we are currently consumed with so many things in the busyness of life, he spent the day working and taking care of the mundane tasks that make up life. So many people go into marriage blindly thinking that all things will just fall into place. Friend, that couldn’t be further from the truth! Over time, I have learned and now understand that love is a choice, and it is work. Oh, but the work is so very worth it. Pastor Chuck used to say, “the grass is greener where you water it.” This is such a true statement. Often, we neglect our own yard (relationships) because we are too busy looking at and comparing to others’. This is unfair to our spouse and our family.  “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬ What do you treasure? If you aren’t sure, check your heart. What your heart desires reveals what you treasure. I’m so very grateful God gave me Lyndon. He has a way of steadying me when i...

I read this comment on a social media post this week,  and boy did it resonate with me! Last weekend, my body finally forced me to stop, rest, and give myself margin. It’s no secret that this is something I struggle with. Those that know me well know that I feel compelled to participate in activities that are important to me personally in addition to saying yes to help those in need. I’m still learning that the word “no” can be used as a complete sentence. In reference to the titular quote, however, this pause encourages something more than just taking “me time.” Truthfully, I lose my emotional and vocal filter when I am stressed. It’s easy to lash out, especially at those that I care about. My frustration is exhibited in quick remarks and knee-jerk reactions that may be justified, but aren’t necessarily Christ-like. It’s an ongoing battle with this flesh of mine.  Practicing pause in this instance means taking a moment to breathe before reacting to a harsh situation. Does thi...

Today in kids’ church, we finished up our series on Psalm 23. The final verse is a great promise: Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:6) It’s always ironic to me that God gives me just what I need exactly when I need it. Today, you see, I am struggling in my body. I don’t share much about my physical struggle because it pales in comparison to the maladies that others face. Still, pushing through pain is no easy task. In fact, I have spent much of the weekend resting and trying to force my physical body back into feeling well again.  This morning, as I began speaking the promise of goodness and mercy over the lives of those sweet children, Heavenly Father reminded me that His goodness and mercy are constantly in pursuit of me. Even when my body fails me, God is good. Even in pain, He is faithful. The temporary groaning of this life can’t compare to the eternity of dwelling in the house of the ...

Growing up, grace wasn’t a concept that I could fully understand. By nature, I try to please others. This led me to feeling that love and kindness from others was based on how “good” I was. I won’t lie to you by saying this is no longer a struggle for me. I still seek approval. I still tie responses to my own behavior and usually blame myself when someone is upset. I still want to, try, and, fail to fix things that don’t seem okay. What a distorted view of mercy and grace. “ But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.” 1 Corinthians 15:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ When I finally understood that God’s love and favor for me is not dependent upon what I do or don’t do, it changed my life. It freed me from feeling the need to be perfect all the time. Because, friend, I am far from perfect! No matter how hard I work to do what ...