On a hill with a crowd exceeding 5,000. Around the table with 12 disciples. Giving thanks. For the 5 loaves and 2 fish. For provision and abundance. For the bread and the cup. For the broken body and the blood to be poured out. His body, His blood. In Matthew 26, we come to the close of Christ's … Continue reading Thankful Living
Not There Yet
The melodic tones of my phone alarm begin, and I am instantly awake. 4:30 in the morning. The comfort of my bed and thick darkness outside invite me to rest a little longer. Tempting invitations indeed, but, ironically, I am glad for the lingering darkness. I still have time. I shuffle around in the dim light … Continue reading Not There Yet
Caught Up in Communion
Whether they are laden in pure white snow or colored with brilliant red, orange, yellow leaves, trees have always captured my gaze and attention. No doubt my father's passion for trees and his vocation in the tree care industry have fueled my own love for the towering beauties. Like him, my eyes are often lifted … Continue reading Caught Up in Communion
Today & Forever
In Exodus 3, we find Moses tending his flocks near Mt. Horeb. The once prince of Egypt now wilderness shepherd approaches the mountain of God and encounters a divine anomaly, a bush that burns but is not consumed by the fire. It is on this holy ground that the Living God is present and speaks … Continue reading Today & Forever
Awaiting Newness
Newness is a "now and not yet" reality of our lives in Christ. We long for Him to bring to completion the newness He has begun. in our lives. in our homes. in our world. in our cosmos. We rejoice in the newness that is apparent and wondrous. But we also lament over the spaces … Continue reading Awaiting Newness
The Land of Familiarity
It was the middle of summer. I drove out to the countryside to meet a dear friend at her home. Our conversation began spilling out at the breakfast table and continued as we walked upstairs. There was much to catch up on. She and her family had moved back from being out of state for … Continue reading The Land of Familiarity
Waiting for Life Pt. 2
It feels like Christmas morning all over again as I enter the garden and catch a glimpse of the new blooms. I walk to my pot of marigolds. These yellow-orange beauties do not burst open. Rather, each day, the petals unfold from the center, one by one. This morning the bloom is complete. I turn … Continue reading Waiting for Life Pt. 2
Waiting for Life
My first garden came to life this year. Not long after Memorial Day, I prepared my makeshift garden boxes, poured the soil, and planted the seeds. Some were no bigger than a pencil tip. Just seeds. That's all for now. I gathered the packets and stared at the pictures. They revealed the future I anticipated. Sunflowers. Marigolds. … Continue reading Waiting for Life
Heaven’s Already Begun
Photo by Diego PH on Unsplash My sister and I recently attended a worship night at a friend's church. We gathered in a simple space with just a couple instruments and a dozen fellow believers. Our time together was brief, but I was struck by the truth that the sweet presence of Jesus was … Continue reading Heaven’s Already Begun