My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will. — Matthew 26:39 “Stop trying to figure God out.” That’s the counsel I got from one of my daughters as she listened to me verbally wringing my hands. God hadn’t answered another one…
God’s Gift of Grace
A long red envelope — subtle enough for a hundred-dollar bill to feel extravagant, but extravagant enough for even a single dollar bill to feel elevated. If you’ve ever received one, you know. It’s a thing of elegance and expectation. The red envelope’s edges are crisp and, if adorned, exquisite. The flap is sealed, and…
The Reason God Hasn’t Fixed You Yet
I saw a story on 60 Minutes a few months ago about the happiest country in the world. It was Denmark. A study done by a British university ranked the happiest countries, and America was far down the list, but Denmark was on top. Morley Safer explored why. Ruling out financial status, physical health,…
Be Faithful in Prayer
I am able to do far beyond all that you ask or imagine. Come to Me with positive expectations, knowing that there is no limit to what I can accomplish. Ask My Spirit to control your mind so that you can think great thoughts of Me. Do not be discouraged by the fact that many…
God, Have You Lost Your Mind?
God, have you lost Your senses? I’ve muttered those words. Mary has too. We know, because the gospel of Mark tells us, When His family heard… they went to take charge of Him, for they said, ‘He is out of His mind’. — Mark 3:21 God, are You crazy? There are those times when life doesn’t…
On Motherhood and Expectations
I sat in church and looked around at the other women smiling up at the pastor. It was Mother’s Day and he was speaking on the importance of our role as mothers and the influence we have in our homes. As everyone nodded their heads I fought back the tears. My kids were four, six,…
Cold Showers of Unmet Expectations
The hotel bed sagged like a hammock under my jet-lagged body. My Timex beeped out the mantra, “Get up! The only time zone that matters is mine.” I rolled off the bed in reluctant obedience and staggered to the bathroom. The sulfuric smell of the nation’s sewer escaped the toilet, an unsubtle reminder of my distance from home.…