The Fish Tank

I was sweating my behind off doing lunges and running laps around our gym this morning when a huge wave of gratitude came over me. Weird that I'd be grateful doing lunges but I was. The weather was a smidge cooler this morning (think 80 instead of 90) and a tiny sense of fall coming was in the air. As I went around the building I began listing all the things I am grateful for. I decided I needed to write all these things down for future reference; for those moments when life seems like it is closing in on me or I am having a pity party for one. I am not writing this blog to brag about how good my life is because let's face it, we all have bad moments, bad hours, bad days even amongst the good stuff. I want this list to look back on and relish in especially at this time in this day when the world seems to have gone mad. So, here goes...my list of goodness. 1. I am thankful that my hope is not in a government system, material possessions, what I do or do not have, or myself. My...

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9 I was on the elliptical catching up on my Family Circle magazine and the news. I went to sit on the porch after my workout to read my chapter in Isaiah that I hadn't gotten to this morning. I sat staring at the sky praying. As I prayed I watched the sky turn the softest pale pink. Even though I was transfixed on the soft sky, my prayers were hard. I was praying for many things, but specifically for our world that has seemed to go into a negative tailspin as of late. As I sat, I kept hearing the word "grace" repeat over and over again in my head. I never opened my Bible. I just sat and thought about grace. I thought about everything that is happening at home and abroad and how it relates to grace. I wondered why we are so afraid o...

"Lead me with strong hands Stand up when I can't" Sanctus Real I was sitting on the airplane reading, "My So-Called Life as a Submissive Wife" getting those strange looks from those around me because I was reading a book about a woman being submissive. Gasp! I read a line in the book that struck me to the core; to a place so deep inside me I didn't even know it existed. The author quoted the great Beth Moore who said, "You are not your husband's Holy Spirit." Holy hallelujah and amen. This statement could not be closer to the truth and man, was it freeing beyond belief. Scott and I were newly married: a young know-it-all 20-something wife and a 30-something husband trying to find his way leading his new found family of two. We were at lunch at a Mexican food restaurant with our pastor and his wife; the pastor that married us. We wanted to purchase a home but the California real estate market was quite intimidating. Scott could not fathom...

Scott was standing on our ice-covered grass talking to our warranty guy and his boss's boss. I could remotely hear them talking while Wyatt and I were in the kitchen making cookies. I felt that feisty fire begin to well up inside me and prayed a little prayer. I then left my three year old to man the mixer and headed outside. I don't think I even had shoes on and it was near zero degrees that day. Flashback a few days earlier. Scott was working away in his office when a box of books randomly fell over. When he went to lift the box it was soaking wet. Our wall was leaking from the melting ice on our roof and the warranty department didn't want to fix the problem. They were adamant that this was a fluke situation, that our houses aren't built for ice since it doesn't happen often in Texas (we have had some sort of ice or snow every year since we moved here seven years ago), and told us to call our home owners insurance company. Quite frankly, I was done with our build...

I was porch sitting the other morning. Porch sitting. It's my new lingo for Scott. I tell him I am going to go do some porch sitting for a few minutes and he knows that means this mama needs some quiet time with God. I have a favorite spot on my porch where I read and pray and sometimes just sit. So, I was porch sitting the other morning in my jammies and an overwhelming sense of rest came over me. I was thinking about the friends (my peeps) in my life. I realized how extraordinarily blessed I was and am. I started mentally listing my friends and how they bless me in my head. I was astounded by how many people love me and how they care for me in an exceptional way. Each person plays a pivotal and distinct role in my life and I absolutely love their unique touch on my life. A few verses came to mind when I thought about my friends. "People learn from each other just as iron sharpens iron." Proverbs 27:17 I can honestly say that I have many "iron sharpeners" in...

Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:10-12 Sometimes you have to do what is unpopular. God calls us to a life not of this world. He asks us to be happy living this way and reminds us that our reward is not here but in heaven. Sometimes, though, that's really hard. Today marks me and Scott's 12 year wedding anniversary. We started dating 18 years ago (me-oh-my) when I was a mere 18 year old high school graduate and he a young 24 year old fresh out of the military. He was so cute (and still is). When we started dating, Scott was not a Christian. I had just graduated high school and was heavily involved in our youth program. I fell in love and honestly ...

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom...