Learning to care for myself has been a difficult task. I want to avoid self-centered habits. After all, the universe does not revolve around my belly button, no matter how much I might believe the opposite. It seems there is a fine line between boundaries and self-care and self-obsessed living. How do I make the …
In the beginning, God created. He created a perfect earth where humans would dwell, living in perfect harmony with God, others, the earth and self. And then came the serpent. He asked questions, distorted the truth, causing Adam and Eve to doubt God’s goodness, love, and intention for them. They accepted the lie, believed it …
We are a “self” consumed society. Opening the Google search bar and typing in “self,” resulted in all kinds of interesting options. Self-efficacy, self-actualization, self-esteem, self-sufficient…all focused on understanding our self. There are books, conferences, studies devoted to understanding our true self, exposing the false self, living from a place of integrity. All of these …
I am a journaler. Not an everyday sort of journaler but a regular writer. This week I filled a journal I started in January of 2019. As I prepared to write my final entry, I turned back to review the previous year. On March 25, 2019, I wrote this: I wonder if we all slowed …
So what should we do while we wait for God’s promises to be realized? Why is he taking so long? And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. And remember, our Lord’s patience …
What do you do while waiting for something to happen? Fidget? Scroll social media? Game? It’s so easy to become distracted while waiting that I sometimes forget what I am waiting for! I have even called someone and then while waiting for the call to be answered, I forget who I’ve called. Then when the …
Suddenly. That thing that happens without warning, an abrupt change in a situation. “Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming,” says the Lord of …
Suddenly… Immediately… Right now… What do these words mean to you? The gospel of Mark is known for his use of the term “immediately.” He portrays Jesus as the servant and a servant acts immediately when called upon. He doesn’t ponder, consider, contemplate if he will act or when. He responds when called. So Jesus …
Have you ever longed for something so much you could taste it? Like when you make plans for the weekend and all week, you long for Friday. Now it’s Friday and you just can’t wait for the clock to say 5:00? Your longing will soon be fulfilled! I understand longing for the thing that meets …
Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.” Mark 9:36-37 Much has been written about the reality of …