Heart Stuff

  • Heart Stuff

    We See You Mama

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    Mother’s Day is this Sunday! But if you’re a mom reading this, we probably don’t have to remind you. You already know because it’s on your calendar, along with the family appointments, kid’s sports schedules, and your own appointments that you keep track of in that beautiful mind of yours, all while meal-planning, bouncing the baby on one hip, and baking cookies for the school fundraiser.  

    So much of what mamas do is unseen, so we want to say, “We see you, Mama!” And more than just keeping all the plates spinning, we see you caring for your family, kissing boo-boos, reading bedtime stories, and weaving love into everything, making even the little things feel like sunshine and fairydust.

    We also see that you are tired. If we had a Harry Potter Invisibility Cloak to share so you could sneak a cup of coffee and drink it in peace, we would overnight ship it to you. We know you don’t always get to go to the bathroom alone, and that you may not have chosen the banana mush on your shirt as your accessory of choice. But you are doing an amazing job. I mean it from the soles of my flip-flops to the top of my messy-bun. You are a great mom. 

    If you are an Honorary Mama, we cherish you and salute you. Maybe you don’t have kids of your own, or you are awaiting your first child, but you have kids in your life that look up to you and you hold a place of significant influence in their lives. There is nothing more beautiful than a friend who loves someone’s kids as much as they do, who invests in their lives, and prays for them with dedication. You are the village every mama so desperately needs and we are so thankful for you! 

    Inevitably, there comes a time in motherhood when we feel like we are losing ourselves in it. It can feel like the needs of others are so many and so loud, that we rarely find time to take care of ourselves too. I saw a post on Threads recently from a mama who said she felt swallowed up in motherhood and was struggling to find a way to connect with God throughout the day. I think every mom can relate to that. 

    The amazing thing about our God is that He sees us and comes to meet us right where we are. Have you ever noticed in the Bible that when men talk with God, it often involves a big journey up to a mountaintop, or out in the wilderness to go to God. But when women need the Lord, He comes to them! He came to Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb, He came to Rahab when she was helpless and alone, He came to the woman at the well, and the list goes on. 

    He’s with us when we fold the laundry, and during late-night feedings. He’s with us when we stay at home, or when we leave for work outside of our home. At every moment, of every day, He is with us.

    In Isaiah 40:11, God is described as a good and gentle shepherd: “He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.” 

    God has a tender place in his heart for you, Mama. He will gently lead you, and hold you and your children close to His heart. He will carry you, and sustain you faithfully. Give yourself the same grace that God gives you. Even if you didn’t get all the things done (or anything for that matter), did you love your kids today? Did you provide for their needs? Are you still standing? Then you’ve done amazing, girl! 

    Different seasons will look different in how you grow in your faith and connect with God. But He remains the same so you don’t have to figure out his part. You don’t have to coordinate with him, or schedule anything. He’s waiting on you, ready to care for you and gently lead you with tender mercy and compassion whenever you are ready. All you have to do is look up and reach out, knowing His love always surrounds us and He’s never far away.  

    When your kids are little, you may find that “Quiet Time” is not so quiet. But maybe your little ones can look at a kid’s Bible long enough for you to read a verse or two on the Bible app and start memorizing a scripture to carry with you throughout the day. You can even memorize it together. As your kids get older, and a little more independent, you may find you’re able to get a longer, or at least more focused, time with Jesus each day. And at any age or stage, you can block out a more soul-filling time with Jesus when someone else is around who can maybe help with the kiddos for a little bit, and give you a break and much needed renewal in Christ. I bet there’s at least one mom or honorary mom that would jump at the chance to care for you and your sweet family if you asked. 

    For me, just having a chance to connect with the Lord before I head out into the fray makes such a difference. And the beauty is that Jesus comes with me. He walks with me through my day. I can picture him giving me a high-five as we walk out the door together, saying “We got this!”

    So today, look for God in the mundane, in the little things, and the ordinary to-do lists. Talk with Him about what you are going to do today, and invite Him into all of it. He is so faithful to draw near, and he will walk with you. He will hold you close and you can lean on Him when you start to feel weary.

    You are not alone! We are cheering you on wildly and we’re here for you! Reach out anytime you need prayer or a pep talk!  You are doing a great job, mama! You got this!

    Big Hugs & High Fives,

    Summer

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  • Heart Stuff, In The Word

    Walking with the Shepherd King

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    Psalm 23 is a scripture in the Bible that many of us are probably familiar with. It’s often one that we reach for when we are in need of comfort, or going through something difficult. It was my beloved grandmother’s very favorite verse, and has been a soothing balm for my own weary soul, offering comfort, courage, and hope when I’ve needed it most. 

    If we zoom out a little, we see that the surrounding chapters, Psalm 22 and 24, both share the same theme of “God as King”. They provide important context for Psalm 23 and remind us that our Good Shepherd is also the King of Kings. As I have been sitting with Psalm 23, I have learned and experienced that part of the beauty and blessing of following Jesus is getting to walk every day with the Shepherd King.

    Psalm 23 reads:

    “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

    Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.

    You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.“

    We could spend days unpacking all the treasures of this Psalm, but I want to invite you to lean into a few key truths today. In Psalm 23 we learn that as we follow Jesus, we will not lack, we will not fear, and we will dwell in security. 

    We will not lack anything, because our Shepherd King provides for us from the abundance of His great and unshakeable kingdom. We are safe to rest and be filled under his protection and care. He knows just what we need, yet because He loves us, He also invites us to share our hears and needs with him. He’s faithful to provide for us, even when it seems like he’s moving more slowly than we’d like.

    We don’t have to fear when we walk through the darkest of valleys, because He protects us and guides us, and He is the light unto our path. 

    In ancient times, when a shepherd had to guide their flock through dark and dangerous valleys, they would tie a small oil lamp to their ankle that would illuminate the path immediately in front of them. While it wouldn’t be enough to see the entire journey ahead of them, it allowed them to see the next step, and the next, and so on, until they safely reached the other side. 

    Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

    When we are navigating dark and unknown seasons in life, our own “valley of the shadow of death”, it is God’s Word that helps us safely navigate through step by step. We may not be able to see the whole journey, or predict the outcomes, but we can rest assured that our Good Shepherd can. He will give us what we need, right when we need it so that we can put one foot in front of the other, until we are safely through the valley. As we abide in Him and in His Word, we find strength, wisdom, and hope for the journey ahead and experience His love and tender care for us in the process. 

    Because of our Shepherd King, we will not fear because we are neither alone nor helpless in the valley. His rod and staff bring security and comfort in the face of danger. A shepherd’s rod is used to drive away enemies and defend the sheep from outside threats or attacks. The staff gently guides and rescues, and can reach the sheep in the most difficult of places and pull them to safety. In Christ, we find comfort in distress, and true security. We can always depend on Him to protect, defend, and deliver us. 

    Finally, we will dwell with Christ and His goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives. I recently learned that the Hebrew word for “follow” in this verse is the same word as “pursuit”. But it’s not a casual pursuit – it’s the kind that runs as hard and as fast as it can, stopping at nothing to get to us. We can’t outrun His goodness and mercy, it will pursue us everywhere we go. We’ll never be without it, just like we’ll never be without His love. It’s just who He is. 

    Walking with the Shepherd King also gives us the security of knowing that we can dwell with God, as a part of His Kingdom now and forever. Now, as we proclaim in word and deed that Jesus is Lord, and when we will see Him one day face to face and all things are made new. 

    If you are going through a dark valley of your own right now, I want to invite you to fix your eyes on Jesus, and lean into these truths. You are safe in the arms of the Shepherd King. He will be faithful to care for you and carry you through. Let His Word illuminate the path in front of you as you trust in Him, knowing that His love, and goodness and mercy are surrounding you every step of the way. 

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  • Heart Stuff, Knowing God

    More Than Enough

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    As my birthday approached last month, my husband asked what I wanted as a gift. Honestly, I couldn’t think of anything I truly needed. Sure, there are always fun or unique things that could be added to our home, but when I paused to really think about it, a wave of gratitude washed over me. I began counting my blessings — the countless small joys that fill my days, the laughter we share as a family, the moments that make my heart full. I realized that what I already have means so much more than anything money could buy.

    The joy I felt came from knowing I am deeply loved, just as I am. I didn’t need anything to bring temporary happiness, because right now, my heart is content. I am loved not only by my husband and family, but also by my Heavenly Father.

    Granted, I make mistakes every day, and though I try to make things right quickly, I’m still amazed that I am loved despite my flaws. That reminder fills me with peace — the same peace found in my relationship with God and reflected in my relationship with my husband. Their patience and love are beyond measure, and with that, how could I ever feel alone?

    As we move out of February – the month most often associated with love – I am reminded that God’s love creates belonging. It is a love that pursues the forgotten, defends the vulnerable, and calls each of us into His redemptive work. 

    It reminds me of the song “Just the Way I Am” by Big Daddy Weave:

    Unbelievable, I’m blown away it’s true
    By the matchless love that I’ve found in You
    Undeniable, the change in me
    It makes me want to dance
    When I think about how
    You love me, You love me,
    You love me just the way I am.”

    The lyrics remind me that God’s love doesn’t depend on me being “good enough.” His grace covers my shortcomings, and He loves me completely, just as I am.

    God’s love is even more than we can comprehend. His love is eternal, unconditional, and steadfast — a love that never runs out, never gives up, and never fails. His character defines love itself. He proved that through Jesus’ sacrifice and His promise that nothing can separate us from His love.

    “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 8:38–39 (ESV)

    Friend, God not only loves you — He adores you.

    It’s natural to think love must be earned, because our culture often ties love to performance: do something good, receive love in return. But that’s not how God loves. His love isn’t conditional or transactional. He loves you because that’s who He is. He chose to love you long before you did anything to deserve it, and that love was forever proven on the cross.

    “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NLT) 

    Now, try reading that verse with your name in place of “the world.” God so loved YOU that He gave His one and only Son. That’s how much you mean to Him.

    That’s the truest definition of love, and the best gift ever.

    So, if today you find yourself doubting that you’re loved enough or searching for joy in things rather than people, stop for a moment. Look around. God’s love surrounds you – from the daffodil pushing through the frosty ground, to a warm hug, to a small act of kindness from a stranger.

    Remember this simple truth: God’s love is always more than enough.

    Seek Him today, knowing you are fully, perfectly, and eternally loved.

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  • Finding Significance, Heart Stuff

    Faithful in Every Season

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    A little over a week ago marked the first day of autumn and the official changing of the seasons. I gleefully switched the sign on my front porch that says “Hey Friends!” To “Hello Fall” and hung a leafy fall wreath on my door.

    There’s something about this time of year that feels so refreshing. I don’t know if it’s the new school year finally settling into a rhythm, or the color of the deep blue sky against the crimson and gold leaves, or the cool breeze mixed with the warm sun on my face. There’s just a momentum to it that seems to keep propelling us forward. Like there are new possibilities just around the corner.

    With every season, we can see a renewing of God’s faithfulness. Whether in the radiant sunbeams of summertime, the brilliant colors of the leaves in autumn; the still, serene blanket of snow in winter; or the promise of new life emerging with the flowers in spring–they all point to God’s sovereignty and abundant love.

    Turning a page in the calendar is one thing, but sometimes we find ourselves facing an entirely new or challenging season of life, and that doesn’t always feel as easy. Things like a new job, kids moving out of the house (or back in), dealing with health issues, or grief and loss, can usher in feelings of anxiety, fear, or stress, making it hard to discern the best way forward.

    The book of Ecclesiastes describes life as “hevel” when life gets like that. Our modern translation calls it “meaningless” but that actually misses the mark. The word literally means “smoke or vapor” and the author of the book is using it as a metaphor of how life is like smoke or vapor. Temporary and fleeting, and at times, unclear, it can feel impossible to grasp and hard to see through. It can seem like just when things take one shape, everything changes and looks completely different. We lose any illusion of control we once had, and that can be painful.

    But it’s one of the best-worst things that can happen to us because it calls us to a posture of total surrender before God. It can also help us rediscover the many simple gifts that God provides every day—if we have eyes to see them.

    “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

    Ecclesiastes 3:2

    When we live in a posture of trusting in God, we will see that in each season of life, there are gifts of God. The enjoyment of simple good things in life, like friendship, family, a good meal, or a sunny day. Little bits of heaven breaking into our life here on earth. We begin to trust and see that in each season, even the challenging ones, God’s love and faithfulness are there.

    There have been many circumstances throughout my life that have been unexpected blessings and plenty where nothing was in my control and all I could do was cry out to God. But every time I turned my eyes to the Lord, He helped me to stop striving to control my plans and helped me submit instead to His.

    God’s steadfast love shifted my focus from what I thought things should look like, to the glorious hope of what they could be in the masterful hands of my loving Creator. I could be confident that God’s faithfulness in the past would see me through anything I might be facing now. And I could rest in the knowledge that while my circumstances might have changed, who I am in Christ did not. My identity remained secure as God’s daughter, chosen and loved.

    We can’t always see it in the moment, but God is present and working on our behalf because He loves us so very much. When we hurt, He is faithful to comfort us. When we are discouraged, He is faithful to cheer us on. When we pray, He is faithful to listen and meet us in our need. He does what He says He will do. He can’t help it. His goodness and faithfulness are part of His character. You can trust and rely on Him in every way.

    Seasons will inevitably change and sometimes it can seem like we are looking through a cloud of smoke trying to make out a clear path. But God remains constant, a firm foundation beneath our feet that allows us to continue forward, trusting Him to guide us and provide for us. We can be confident that even when new seasons are unexpected, God has planned ahead for us in every detail. When our lives are built on Christ, we can have faith that is unshakable in any season because we are loved by an Unshakable God.

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  • Easter, Heart Stuff

    Fresh Start with Jesus

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    With flowers popping up, and Easter just around the corner, the optimism of a new season is all around. Especially coming out of dark winter, the light and new life of spring offers a welcome reprieve, full of promise and hope.

    All this newness (and that extra hour of daylight) inspired me to do some spring cleaning. I opened the curtains to let in more light and figure out which areas needed a little extra TLC. I opened all the windows and let the spring breeze air out the stale corners of the house that hadn’t seen the bright light of day in a while.

    I stood there for a moment, breathing in the sweet scent of the recent rain, and fresh-cut grass, and I realized there are probably parts of my heart that need the same treatment. There are corners in my heart that hadn’t seen the bright light of day in a while, and parts of me that were still holding on to the old ways instead of walking in the light of Christ as a new creation. 

    But that’s the beauty of this verse in 2 Corinthians. As Christ-followers, we can throw open the shutters of our hearts and let the light of Jesus sweep through and renew us. We can breathe deep of new mercies. We are released from the slavery of sin and are made new by the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. In Christ we are raised to new life, to walk in new ways, with new hope.

    Every Easter, we remember that the story of Jesus did not end at the cross. The cross was the plot twist-Jesus overcame death and the grave and rose to life again. We have that same power living in us through the Holy Spirit. Through Jesus, we have the power to leave the grave behind us and walk forward as a new creation.

    Because God did not intend for us to stay stuck in darkness. God intends for us to awaken, arise, and step forward in faith into new life. But not on our own power or strength. 

    When God sent Jesus to redeem and restore humanity, it was more than just a rescue mission. God came near, revealed His heart through His Son, and through Jesus gave us access to all the resources and power of the Kingdom of God. 

    It’s not about us, or our ability, it’s about Jesus and what He has done and is doing in us. It’s about having a heart that is willing to be transformed in His presence and letting the light of his love shine through us in our everyday lives. It’s living daily in the awareness that the very same power that raised Jesus from the grave, now lives in us. Because of Christ, we live in a new reality-standing firm in the unshakable Kingdom of God. 

    That renewing and transformation leads to seeing things from a Kingdom perspective. We walk through our day, aware of God’s power and presence, and look for ways to join Him. Maybe it’s taking the time to listen to someone who is hurting. Or when you have a super long day and you are weary, you pause and pray and lean into the power that we have in Christ. Maybe it’s standing firm in your faith, even when it feels vulnerable. Or leaving the grave of sin and shame behind you, so that when the world looks messy and hopeless, your heart can be confident and steadfast. As a result, our lives can reflect the light of Christ like the sunrise spreading across the horizon of a brand new day.

    Are there places in your heart that could use some “spring cleaning” and renewal? Any ways that you could use a fresh start? No matter what you are facing, there is no mess too big for God. You are never so far gone that God cannot reach into your situation and breathe new life into you. His mercies are new every morning, every minute, every second. He can make you new, and set you on a new path. Whatever Jesus is calling you to, He’s already there waiting for you. Let’s open the windows of our hearts and let His light in.

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  • Heart Stuff, Identity in Christ, Knowing God

    Awake To God’s Love For Us

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    Are you awake to God’s love for you? If your immediate response was to nod and think “Of course, I know God loves me”, I want to challenge you to dig a little deeper. 

    Many of us are walking around acknowledging in our minds that God loves us, but do we truly believe and know deep in our soul that He loves us? He loves you. Not just the good parts but all of you. He knows everything you’ve ever thought and ever done and He loves you, deeply. That kind of love is hard to comprehend. It can be tough to accept–we can feel so undeserving of this type of love. 

    I think a lot of us want to be loved by God, for Him to be proud of us, and pleased with us. But believing that He does and is already, is a whole different exercise. Much of believing, and experiencing God’s love, is affected by our own limited human perspective. We see ourselves through our own eyes, not through God’s eyes. He created us and knows every hair on our heads. When he looks at you He sees His beautiful daughter.

    “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”

    1 John 4:15-19

    God is love and He knows no other way. Just a sweep through the gospels, we can see time and time again how much Jesus loved the people he came to save.

    Through the story of Mary and her sister Martha as he stood with them in their grief, with the woman with ongoing bleeding, and even though he was busy, he took the time to stop and bring restoration to her physically as well as emotionally. He came alongside Mary Magdalene in her grief at the grave and called out her name and gave her great purpose.

    Jesus wasn’t concerned with appearances or what was most efficient, he was concerned about each and every person he encountered. He wanted them to walk away feeling like they were the most precious person in the world and he would do anything for them.

    Jesus came for each one of us. It’s so easy for us to think of God loving the world and forget that He loves each of us. He is a God who would leave the 99 to rescue the one.

    Next time you read through the gospels, notice how Jesus came to each person, listened to them, truly saw them, reached into their situation, and loved them well. Each time, they walked away from an encounter with Jesus completely transformed and changed. For each person, there was life before Jesus and life after. They no longer were defined as one rejected, the outcast one, the one who suffers, or the sinner. They now saw themselves as one whom Jesus loves.

    And His love for us is no different. Before we ever do a thing, whether we mess up or get it right. God loves us first and always. He will always look upon you as the beautiful daughter whom He loves. This is a love we can rely on. 

    “May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”

    Ephesians 3:19

    In this world we don’t experience this kind of love as often as we should, so it is understandable that we could struggle with fully embracing this type of love. But when we do, it changes us from our very core. It changes how we see ourselves and how we see the world. We find a peace and confidence like no other in being the one loved by God.

    Once you are truly awake to God’s love for you and embrace your identity as the wonderful, beautiful, chosen, daughter of the King whom Jesus died for because of His great love for you, it changes you at your very core. It ripples out into every aspect of your life, including how you see yourself and others. 

    Today, take a minute to think about yourself this way. Picture Jesus looking at you with love in His eyes, feeling that humble confidence that you are His, and He is yours, and He loves you. You are one whom Jesus loves!

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  • Heart Stuff

    No Condemnation In Christ

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    My poor husband stared at me in shock and confusion. What started out as a simple and polite request for me to please put my dirty clothes into the hamper, had reduced me into a crying, sobbing mess. Why had this simple and loving confrontation left me so heartbroken? 

    Because, in the confines of my brain, was a voice that repeated to me over and over “I was not good enough to be loved. I would never be good enough to be loved, and I was one mistake away from my husband walking away.” It had become a soundtrack of falsehood that played subconsciously, over and over in my mind. If my fear of making a simple mistake like not putting my clothes in the hamper left an emotional mess, the fear of disappointing God by doing something that dishonored him was even worse. 

    This fear drove me to perfectionism, and any time I felt like I had failed, that fear would come flooding out in a pool of tears and frustration. I wondered if I would ever be able to do all the good things I wanted to do or if I would be doomed to a life of making one soul-crushing mistake after another.

    In Romans 7, the apostle Paul lamented his own frustration with not being able to do the good he wanted to do.

    So I find this law at work: “Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?” (Romans 7:21-24a)

    Paul was a godly man, totally sold out for Jesus. He did so much to advance the gospel all over the expansive Roman world. He wrote multiple letters in the New Testament that encouraged the churches, and yet he never arrived at perfection. His lack of perfection frustrated him. Just like me, he so badly wanted to do always good. But while I sat and wallowed in the futility of my imperfections, Paul didn’t stay there. Instead, he rejoiced. 

    In Romans 7:25 he exclaims, “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Then he continues on in Romans 8:1, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Paul rejoiced because even though he made mistakes, he lived in the truth that with Jesus there is no condemnation.

    No condemnation in Christ Jesus our Lord. Let those words soak in for a moment. 

    The word in Greek for condemnation is katakrima.  It means an adverse sentence, penalty, or final verdict.[1] In other words, it means a death that includes a total separation from God. In reality, we deserve it and Satan likes to remind us we deserve it in the hopes it will paralyze us from stepping out in faith to do the good works God has prepared for us to do. 

    But God in his great love and mercy did not want us to live in that fear of death and separation from his love. Instead, he sent Jesus to remove the adverse sentence. No longer do we have to worry about screwing up so bad that God’s love will leave us. Jesus takes our place as ones condemned from sin and death to ones free to live lives transformed by the love of God.

    Paul rejoiced in this truth. Instead of continuing to let the “I’m never going to be good enough” soundtrack play, he stakes his claim in the truth that, even though he will perpetually screw up, he no longer has to live in fear of condemnation. That truth freed him to keep moving forward in his ministry of spreading the gospel. He could learn how he needed to change but simultaneously be released from guilt and shame because of Jesus and the grace we receive through Him. What Paul understood was the difference between conviction and condemnation. 

    Conviction is the work of the Holy Spirit transforming us more into the image of God (2 Corinthians 3:18). The Holy Spirit does this by showing us the parts of us that need to be cleansed and renewed. The purpose of conviction isn’t to break us under the weight of guilt. Rather its purpose is to remind us to turn to our God who is faithful and just and will cleanse us from all the sin and shame. (1 John 1:9) 

    Conviction is very different from condemnation. Condemnation means there is no hope of recovering from our mistakes. No hope of being able to live in the love of God. But conviction is the opposite. Conviction comes from a loving Father who wants what’s best for us and who is reminding us of the life he wants us to live. Conviction of the Holy Spirit helps us to confidently turn to God to ask for help with our shortcomings knowing we will receive grace and cleansing, not condemnation and rejection. 

    Because of this, the feelings of conviction should no longer leave us a broken mess. Instead, they should be viewed as a reminder of the hopeful transforming power of God and His Holy Spirit living and working within us. We can now go to the throne of God, not in fear of a death sentence, but in hopeful anticipation of how God will work in our lives to mold us more in his image. 

    What are the soundtracks playing on repeat in your head? Is Satan’s voice of condemnation getting more attention than the Holy Spirit’s voice of guidance? If so, tell Satan to go take a hike and cling to the truth that there is no condemnation for you any more thanks to Jesus. 

    You have been freed from the law of sin and death. Take hold of the Holy Spirit’s hand today as He guides you through the discomfort of your imperfection, out of a life of fear and into a life of freedom found in the perfect love of Christ. 

    [1] Strong’s Concordance. https://biblehub.com/greek/2631.htm

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  • Heart Stuff, Purposeful Living

    Doing Small Things With Great Love

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    Jesus loves you this I know, for the Bible tells me so…

    It was the only song that would calm my youngest foster son down at bedtime when he first came to our family. Going back and forth between homes left him with little consistency, and we were going through a season where he would not go to bed without a fuss. So, I began a routine of rocking him and singing to him, just like I had done with my older children since birth. We would go through the same routine each night, asking him if he would like me to sing to him, and then singing the same four songs. He would look at me intently through the first 3 songs, sniffling and just on the verge of crying. But when I reached the last song, “Jesus Loves You”, his little face would transform into a smile, and by the end of the song, he would say contentedly, “Ready bed now.”

    I had tried all sorts of other things to console him, but he found his true comfort in hearing that someone bigger than all of us loved him. It wasn’t all the stuffies and cozy blankets, a bottle, or rubbing his back, it was hearing that he was loved. A song I have sung thousands of times over the years, sometimes purely as a routine, rang as grandeur in his ears. For the next several nights the same thing would transpire. He would listen, just on the verge of tears, until he heard “Jesus Loves You” and then a peaceful smile would spread across his sweet face and he’d say, “Ready bed now”. 

    I realized that this song, though it seemed small to me, was a BIG thing for him. It made me pause, thanking God for opening my eyes to what my son truly needed to hear, and how this little thing, transformed not only bedtime but ultimately our lives.

    The things we are called to do each day don’t always have to be the grand things; it’s using whatever you have for the sake of the Kingdom, whether big, small, or in between. It’s giving with a joyful heart and having the assurance that what you have to give, at that moment, is enough!

    In today’s world, we have so many hats we must wear and honestly, there are times when I am overwhelmed by the feeling of  “not being enough” for everyone and everything that needs my attention. I want to give 110%, but it can be a struggle to meet my own high expectations. Sometimes it’s exhausting and leaves me feeling drained, alone, and empty, because with every hat I wear, I want to give my all. But it’s in those moments when my little one is crying, seeking comfort, that I see how even a small thing to me can be a BIG thing to someone else. The best part is, that small thing is enough!

    Ultimately, “BIG things” for God are the kingdom purposes we help to promote, not the size or the impressiveness of the jobs we are doing. And it’s not even the number of hats we choose to wear. It’s when we can do the small things with great love, that we are truly following God’s will for our lives!

    Over and over in the Bible, we see examples of the smallest things reflecting Jesus and his Kingdom priorities. In the Parable of the Mustard Seed in Matthew 13:31-31, Jesus makes the point that the beginning of great things can be tiny. Even though they might seem insignificant, their impact can’t be measured by their almost invisible origins.  

    In the parable of the Widow’s Offering in Mark 12:41-44 NIV, Jesus was not impressed with those who made a big show of giving “large sums” into the offering. Instead, he praised the widow who gave “two small copper coins, which make only a few cents”, because it was all she had to give. Our Lord focused not on the amount, but on the sacrifice involved and the heart behind it. 

    In Jesus’ parable of the talents, the master didn’t focus on the amounts given to each servant, but on the faithfulness each displayed in using his resources. (Matt 25:21-23 NIV)

    We see God’s Kingdom purposes in these stories and those little things, those matters of the heart, are ultimately the big things to God. What’s even better is that God is inviting you to join Him in the work he is already doing!

    I want to encourage you to not take stock of your value, or the impact you make in this world by measuring what you do, rather measure HOW you do it. Is your heart giving to others? Are you doing everything with great love? Are you planting the seeds to grow God’s Kingdom no matter what hat you are wearing? Remember, on your best day you are a child of God, and on your worst day you are a child of God too! The secret to having it all is knowing you already do in Christ!

    Missionary statesman, Hudson Taylor, said, “A little thing is a little thing, but faithfulness in little things is a great thing.” My prayer for you this week is that you will find joy in the daily tasks ahead of you and that God will reveal to you how those tasks are blessing others and ultimately blessing you!

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  • Heart Stuff, Knowing God

    The Faithful Love of God

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    I truly love living in the Pacific Northwest. My family moved often when I was a child, and I have lived in every region and climate of the US. My 20 years here have proven that are no more glorious rainbows in the country than in the PNW. The true bursting of color across a rain-speckled sky reminds me of a song I learned as a young girl, “Red and Yellow and Pink and Green, Purple and Orange and Blue, I can sing a rainbow, sing a rainbow, sing a rainbow too. Listen with your eyes, listen with your eyes, sing everything you see, I can sing a rainbow, sing a rainbow, sing along with me.”

    “Sing a Rainbow”, what a profound thought! 

    Isn’t this what God does each day for us? He truly sings a rainbow into our lives with His promises, forgiveness, and unfailing love. Just like the colors of the rainbow, we can see God’s handiwork in the little things in life. Like a maple leaf in the fall or a spring daffodil. And in the most powerful ocean waves or the flames of a campfire. 

    God goes out of His way to remind us of His love and faithfulness to keep His promises. He is ever present in my child’s eyes as he wonders and asks if a pot of gold is at the end of the rainbow. In response, I answer, “Why of course, because God’s promises are bigger, brighter, and more valuable than any pot of gold. He says come as you are, and in turn, He gives everything according to His will.” Each vibrant color gives us a reminder that He is with us in the moment and in every situation when we need to lean on Him. 

    Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…”

    I especially love the way the Message words it, “God can do anything, you know far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!” Eph 3:20 MSG 

    The science behind a rainbow reveals how truly miraculous God’s promises to us are. When rainbows appear, raindrops act as “tiny prisms.” White light from the sun shines on one side of a water droplet, then reflects out the other side of the droplet as a circular bow or arc of color broken up into the color spectrum. What’s amazing is that rainbows contain a continuum of around 1 million colors that are invisible to the human eye. Instead, we can only really see the seven-color hues if the full spectrum is visible. 

    The powerful love of God can almost be as overwhelming to try to grasp as the 1 million colors we don’t see. We must have faith that the colors are there, faith that God is ever present in every moment.

    Our human eyes can’t truly see the capabilities of God and all that He has done in our lives. But, if we take a moment to focus on the blessings showered on us each day; a child’s hug, the unbelievable ability of a bumble bee to fly, a co-worker’s smile, food on our table, a roof over our heads, the blessings are innumerable and become the gold at the end of the rainbow. When God sings a rainbow, He lays a path for us to follow and marvel at the blessings of His covenant with us.

    “Behold, I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth… This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth” (Genesis 9:8-16, ESV).

    The radiant theme that the rainbow illustrates for us is God’s gracious and grand purpose of redemption, to give humanity another chance to start again. Reflecting on all of the fresh starts He has given me in my life, each color reflects the forgiveness and grace offered to me through His redemptive love. God promises that he will never leave us or forsake us. He promises if we repent, He will forgive us. That can be difficult to rely on when we are amid troubled times, but He made a covenant with us, that He will fulfill! He is always faithful, always loving, and ever gracious to us. 

    So, the next time you see a rainbow filling the sky with the brilliance of His redemptive love for us, take in the moment and allow those raindrops of color to soak in. Let each color remind you of the promises our Heavenly Father has laid before us. Let the millions of colors you cannot see remind you of His unending love that gives you infinitely more than you can ask or imagine because God went out of His way with those millions of colors to remind us of His love and faithfulness to keep His promises.

    This week, I pray that you will feel the complete rainbow of God’s loving presence in every aspect of your life. That you will look at the world and “Sing a Rainbow” for others like God sings for us. And as you look across the sky and marvel at the colors that you can see, imagine each of those raindrops as an answer to prayer and have the confidence knowing that truly God is good, and that’s enough!

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  • Heart Stuff

    The Overflowing Love of God

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    I often find myself rooting for the underdog in life. Whether it be children, a friend, a single mom in need, or even an injured animal, I find myself seeking to provide hope and support for the most defenseless. The roles that seem to define who I am in this world often remind me of the African philosophy of “ubuntu” — a concept in which our sense of self is shaped by our relationships with other people. It’s described as a sense of moral obligation regarding our responsibility for others even before thinking of ourselves. The community members surround or encircle an individual and remind them of who they are and all the good they have done. Unity and affirmation help restore and strengthen the individual.

    This philosophy captures my desire to encircle the vulnerable people in my life. But as I help to remind others of their worth and value, I can find myself feeling depleted and needing the same “ubuntu” I can so easily give to others. With the rush of the day filled with commitments that “fill up” everyone else’s cup, my cup at times can feel so very empty. Sometimes it brings me to tears and ultimately to my knees. 

    It’s on my knees though where I find the fountain that can refill my cup. The one true “pitcher” filled with love that graciously pours until my cup runneth over.

    In Ephesians 3:14-19, Paul reveals where we can find fulfillment when we are weary:

    For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

    When it comes to refilling our own cup, we often set aside our mug with just a swig left at the bottom and save it for later in hopes it will quench our thirst. It’s not long before we realize that our own emptiness is not healthy for our well-being. And even less for those that we are trying to come alongside and affirm. 

    In Psalm 23, David says, “My cup runneth over”. He uses these words to help us understand the overflowing, endless nature of God’s presence, protection, provision, and power. God wants us to bless others, but He also reminds us that in order for us to extend the love of Jesus to others, we need to be filled with Him. 

    God has more than enough to help us, regardless of the situation. His presence has no borders, His provision no end, HIs protection cannot be penetrated, and His power can’t be equaled. He is the ultimate example of “Ubuntu”, and His overwhelming love for us is what makes us His instruments. David shares with us that God’s blessing upon us wasn’t just for our use, but was designed to spill over so we can bless others. 

    In the moment when the tears are near and we are on our knees, lean on God to be the pitcher filling your cup. For when we are full of His love, we are then able to pour into others’ cups and point them to a deeper relationship with God.

    And when you feel you just can’t go on, can’t give another ounce of yourself to others, remember God will keep His word! God is faithful and true, and he will uphold His word. He is the source of your hope, your peace, your comfort, and your strength.

    My prayer for each of you as you head out to battle the day is that you can continue to provide a loving circle of support for the vulnerable in your life, but never forget that God is ever present to fill you up and make your cup run over. He will never leave you, and He is using you to bless others. May you enjoy the fullness of God in every aspect of your life!

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