Recently, I went on a run without my headphones or cellphone and asked God to help me listen. I told God many times that I was ready to hear His plan for me as my feet pounded the pavement. As I looked into the trees, I heard the rustling of the leaves and felt God impress upon me something unexpected.
Read MoreWe are merely passing through on this little planet. Sure, it feels big and we want to make it comfortable more than we need to. But this world is not our home. Through it all, we walk through each season with God. We are never alone. The daily events, the crisis moments, the victories- God is with us each step…
Read MoreI love clouds. When I was younger, I would stare at clouds and see animals or faces. In the morning and at night, I love watching how white clouds change into gorgeous colors. As I walked earlier, I felt God tug at my heart. He loves us so much that He often gives beautiful paintings..
Read MoreFew people would argue the majesty of the mountains. Something about them inspires a little bit of awe inside of us. When we begin to pray over a challenge in our lives, it might be helpful to realize that the Mountain Maker is the One we approach.
Read MoreThe world can be uncertain and sometimes being open, whether it is open to change, open to new people or just open about our feelings, can be challenging. But I believe when we keep our eyes on the One who is certain, it becomes a little easier. Knowing and trusting in Christ’s love for us and His incredible faithfulness allows us to have hope that there are things that are immovable, unchangeable and trustworthy…
Read MoreEver had a negative thought or memory you can’t seem to shake?
We are told in the Bible to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). But when we get caught up in stressful situations, sometimes listening to God’s voice of truth seem challenging.
Read MoreEarlier this morning I reminisced about crisp fall days 10 years ago. I had adventured to Italy, to study art in the land and culture where some of my favorite artists had created their masterpieces. It was a gift and a challenge. Only seven other students studied in that semester’s cohort. While we lived and created in a 14th century stone and marble monastery, we traveled around central Italy and marveled at its beauty and culture.
My prayers in that monastery as I painted, sketched and studied were young artist prayers. I have the daily journal entries to remind myself that my prayers seeking God’s help were sometimes selfish and definitely passionate. It is clear looking back I was lost about what being an artist meant (and if we are honest, many of us artists are still discovering this!).
As I think back, I realized that the thing I learned about the most, more than artistic techniques or Italian culture…
Read MoreWhat kind of fruit do we produce each day? Is it self-focused or other focused? Does it give life to others or tear them down? Are we acting out of stress-based, worry-based or fear-based thinking and feeling? Some of you might be like me and be hard on yourself thinking “I’m not producing enough good fruit, I have to be better. God has given me so much, I have to give back and grow more!” This kind of shame-based thinking needs to be uprooted from our hearts if we are to live in God’s freedom. As my former pastor Emy Vazquez says “Shame off you!”
Read MoreYesterday, a woman came up to my husband and I on the beach and shared some fun news- a nearby seaturtle nest was hatching its last little egg. What proceeded was a group of the three of us, growing to nine people cheering on a baby sea turtle across the beach to its ocean destination. It brought up alot of thoughts inside me. It got me thinking about what we think the world or people owe us. While in nature, animals take their lot in life and just live without comparison or a desire have things easier or different.
How often do we open our eyes and are more aware of the lists of things that need to be done than the things of things that God could do? How much more of a gift could our days be if we opened our eyes and our first thought was “I wonder what God will do today?”
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