The Fish Tank

I am learning a lot about myself this year. Maybe it's because I am in my last year of my 30s and about to hit 40 in a few months. Maybe I've finally gained some confidence under my belt. Whatever it is, I am liking this new me. I am currently in Austin, Texas on a trip with my husband. It's a work trip for him and a "Mama-needs-to-get-away" trip for me. I knew there were some things I wanted to do (Hello, massage and pedicure), but didn't have a real plan going into this weekend. I also knew the hotel we were staying at but didn't know the exact location. We pulled into the parking lot of the hotel and I scanned the area. Shake Shack. Yum. Nordstrom. Well, that's a given. There was everything at my finger-tips all in a beautifully manicured and confined space. This is my type of gig. Safe, yet fun. Until... My husband realized while we were at the right hotel, we were at the wrong location. Good feelings gone. All my glorious plans flew ou...

The kitchen table. This is my space. I love life around the table. It fills my spirit and replenishes my soul. I love the harmony of the conversations that happen here and the food that nourishes. There is nothing better to me than a table full of people. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 The area around the table is sacred. This is where burdens are laid down and shared; a place for rest and refueling. We have all heard the studies that show children are more successful when families spend time around the table. Life is lived here. When I think of Jesus' table I see a bunch of mix-matched chairs. You know the trend today: a farmhouse-style table and chairs that do not match set around it. That's Jesus' table. Nothing matches. Nothing really makes sen...

Ah, religion. It's pretty little walls hold us in tight with its rules and regulations. We like the safety of knowing; the list where we can check all the boxes. Religion all neat and tidy luring us in with its way of life that will lead to safety and good tidings. It feels safe in the arms of religion. There is no questioning or doubting what the rules are. We can easily get into the routine of religion. Be good. Be nice. Speak kindly. Don't sin. Dress up and go to church on Sunday. It's easy. Known. Comfortable. But... Jesus didn't live for safety. Jesus didn't play within the confines of the rules. Jesus was a risk taker. Jesus did not hang out in the safety of the four walls that religion provides. Jesus didn't walk with the religious elite. Jesus walked with the outcasts. Jesus challenged the religious elite. Jesus ran towards danger. Not away. Religion will keep you safe. Jesus will get you killed. 'Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him...

How many times have you said, "I can't." I can't because... I don't have the time My kids keep me too busy I am not qualified I feel silly I am too insecure I don't have the courage Someone else can do it better than me Someone else is already doing it I have said, "I can't" far too many times for reasons that are, quite frankly, dumb. I am a good excuse maker. I can convince myself why I shouldn't do something in record time. I don't want to think of the opportunities I have missed because of my "I can'ts." "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." 1 Corinthians 16:13 'Jesus looked at them and said, "With man, this is impossible, but not with God; with God, all things are possible." Mark 10:27 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9 "For I know the plans I have for...