Tag: Christianity

Coated in Mercy and Grace

Last weekend, while out in Denver, I found a bargain of the year!!!

A military-style, woman’s coat—which I’d been in the market for over the past few months.

I walked into a nice, gently used, clothing store and this coat was the very first thing I spotted. After realizing it was my size I determined it was meant to be!! It’s the color I prefer. It’s Gap brand, which can typically be a bit spendy but I was able to pick it up for only twenty-three bucks!! It’s exactly what I had been wanting but at a fraction of the cost!

…here’s the thing though—since purchasing this coat, I’ve tossed and turned it around, pulled it inside out, checked the zippers probably 37 times trying to figure out just what exactly caused this coat to end up in a second hand store…and as you can probably guess, I’ve found absolutely nothing to be the matter. Zippers zip, buttons button, and ties tighten. Honestly I’d be slightly interested to know how much time I’ve wasted in brutally examining this coat, just to turn up with nothing at all.

…As with most everything in my life, I’ve humbly gathered a lesson through this process.

Here’s the funny, but honest, thought I had…I “rescued” the coat, right? Gave it a second chance…now it’s mine to put to use, appreciate and enjoy. I have the pleasure to choose to do so BUT instead I’ve mulled over its condition, trying to find something amiss, broken, or out of place…however nothing has turned up to coincide with that idea.

We’re gonna turn a corner here, stay with me…

I’ve openly shared about my struggles in overcoming the string of adversity I was dealt throughout my childhood and teen years. And it’s also known that the only reason this blog exist is because of Jesus Christ’ saving grace and boundless mercy in my life. But since becoming a sold-out for Jesus gal, you know something I’ve simultaneously excelled at?

Scrutinizing, examining, and digging away at my past!!

The past that I left completely behind, for the One who rescues graciously, I’ve mentally revisited time and time again, successfully beating myself up with regret, along with jumping in on satan’s shame-game. Rather than basking in the glory of freedom through Christ, I often find myself masking due to the insecurity of something that was. Rather than enjoying myself as a new creation, my mind often wonders back to decades ago, things I wish I could erase from my memory completely.

As ridiculous as it may sound my recent second hand store purchase is reminding me that I was given thee most amazing deal of all through Christ’ sacrifice, followed by my choice to accept Him as Lord over my life.

You see, it’s crazy that I would stew over the condition of my new-to-me coat rather than enjoy the blessing of it. But it’s eerily similar, and even more crazy, that I would try to peel open and rifle through the pages of my old life in the flesh when I’ve been gifted this beautiful, new life by His spirit in which God wants me to experience with a great amount of joy. Because I’ve been coated in mercy and grace there’s no reason I should be toiling in the past—the goodness of today is in this moment, there’s so much to enjoy in the here and now (through a life in Him) and the best is yet to come…

Bible YouVersion

A Second Chance, Not To Be Taken For Granted

For years now I’ve been quite a fan of thrift-store shopping. I’d probably even go as far as to say, ‘it’s become a hobby of mine’. And if I can get into an antique shop that’s equally as satisfying to me…Garage sales—well they rank right up there too.

Recently I was thinking about this and asked myself, “What is it about thrift-store shopping that I like so much?” The answer that followed probably has more to do with emotional means than anything materialistic. Sure it’s rewarding to snag up an item that I’ve been in search for, and it’s even better when it’s condition is like-new…but the greater treasure is when I consider that someone once owned “said piece” and it no longer held value to them so out it went until a new owner came along, seeing purpose and worth—offering a second chance.

Can you see how this is somewhat similar to Jesus’ affection for us? Lets look at a few verses from Ephesians chapter 2. We were once dead in our transgressions and sins (1)…Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. (3b-5)

Notice the parallel in the second chance we’ve been offered, as God called us from an old life of sin and into a new one filled with unconditional love.

Another chance. I love that. That’s what Jesus does for us when we turn to Him.

But once we accept that offer of salvation—a new life secure through God, we might be moving in faith with great strength in Him until a road bump pops-up and throws us completely off course. Independence might ensue for a time, but Jesus remains nevertheless. He patiently sets up road blocks in hope that we’ll recognize our need to turn back around. Back into His control. Back to His second chance, or third or fourth chance, and so on.

Bible YouVersion app

The thing is, when it comes to stuff, I’m not a collector. Purging is very much a thing in my house. Often times the very item I once, happily picked up from a thrift-store ends up right back on those sale shelves in search of yet another owner, another chance.

Comparatively, like we don’t know the number of times a piece may have made it through the doors of a second-hand store, God’s record of wrongs against us isn’t kept either. He is full of second chances. This isn’t a pass to take His chances for granted, but rather that we might understand and appreciate His boundless mercy and grace, despite our inadequacy to be perfect.

The more familiar in our relationship and the closer we daily walk with Him, the less our faith beckons for those second and so-forth chances, which is really where we should want to be.

To bring it full-circle, just like an item in a second-hand store is just trying to find its forever home, as Christians ours is safe in Jesus and this is a treasure that, once found, is always worthy of keeping. After all, we were always His to begin with…

Have a wonderful and blessed weekend!!

BE STILL

Recently I attended a weekend youth retreat as a leader with some of the junior high kids from our church youth group. The weekend was geared toward the words ‘BE STILL’ and served as a reminder to intentionally take time out of our day from this crazy, busy life and ‘be still’ so we can hear from Jesus.

And the kids loved it…as well as the leaders.

I always look forward to the opportunity of attending these youth retreats because I can get as much out of it as the kids, my heart really soaked in this particular topic.

Here’s a list of scripture we read and studied that paired up with our weekend focus:

1 Kings 19:9-15

Exodus 1-6:13, 12:1-28

Psalm 46

John 10:1-18

Mark 4:35-41

John 15:1-18

Our very own youth pastor led one of the afternoon breakout sessions sharing tools to help us connect with God:

  • Start the day with quiet time.
  • Be alone in our quiet time.
  • Read scripture and listen to what God is speaking through His word.
  • Spend time in prayer, also pausing in the midst to hear from the Lord.

He also shared a free app called the One Minute Pause App by John Eldridge (New York Times Best Selling Author of Wild at Heart and Captivating). It encourages stillness and “the simple practice of releasing everything to God, restoring your union with God and inviting him to fill you.”

There’s soothing music, scripture, commentary with words, and beautiful scenery for each meditation.

App example

It’s super simple to navigate and allows you to choose from one of the main pauses offering different lengths of time; or as a huge bonus there’s a 30 days to resilience program “designed to lead us on a path of supernatural resilience—to recover our joy, strengthen our hearts, and thrive through the challenges of modern day life. Each day has two 8 to 10 minute sessions, designed for the morning and evening and grouped into six 5-day modules. Each session is part soul care, part reflection, and part contemplative prayer.”

After downloading the app I have yet to miss a day of connecting to God in this way and wanted to share it with those of you reading this blog.

Main screen app example
Main screen app example
App example

P.S. Our youth kids have really enjoyed the app and right before our small group discussion time starts on Wednesday evenings when we meet, I’ll typically go through a three or five minute pause (using the app) before we get into our lesson questions—they look forward to this time, it helps them settle and connect with God before we start on deep questions and discussions.

Do your heart a favor and download it, tell me what you think, and share it with others. I really hope you love it and I look forward to getting feedback!!

Below is a link that will take you directly to the app and gives the option for Apple or Android devices.

One Minute Pause App and 30 days to resilience

As always sweet weekend blessings!!

Alicia ❤️

Experiencing Blessing After Tragedy

Just a little forewarning, this one’s a bit downcast, the first part of it anyway.

July 8th, 2021.

When I wrote my post last week, I thought the next one I’d be sharing would be me telling about my crazy, spontaneous Texas purchases (which I plan to do tomorrow) but feelings spur and I can’t skip sharing my heart through a blog post today.

Twenty years ago, to the day, my dad passed away—July 8th, 2001.

I’ve shared that story and thoughts through past posts.

For those who don’t know, my dad ran a bit on the wild side through his teen years and most of his adult life. He provided well for our family, adored my mom and us kids but he struggled cutting loose from longtime addictions with alcohol and marijuana.

Finally (in his mid thirties) my dad broke away from the toxicity and traded it for church attendance and an old time hobby of dirt bike racing. Races usually happened on Sundays so church was typically bypassed in the summer months.

My dad had almost two years of racing in (along with no alcohol or drugs) when tragedy hit.

He was racing (October 10th, 1999) at a motocross event and miscalculated a double jump that left him a quadriplegic and ventilator dependent. Nearly two years went by with him living in rehab facilities.

Taken late in 2000

Over the Fourth of July in 2001 we brought my dad home for a visit not knowing it’d be his last. He had an amazing time visiting family and friends, almost as if it were a set up…

I was seventeen at the time and although I called myself a Christian, my life choices were far from a Jesus-like example. I partied like it was a vital necessity to my self-absorbed teenage life. And during my dad’s unbeknownst last visit there was no exception from my obnoxious traits. I just wasn’t present and I couldn’t see past my vain greed.

On Sunday, July 8th 2001, (with my mom and youngest brother along) I was to drive my dad back to Lincoln, NE where he lived for temporary rehab.

Too naïve to recognize how tired I was I fell asleep behind the wheel. I still have flashbacks of my dad yelling my name, “Alicia, Alicia” as he tried to get my attention, that was the last thing I heard him say. My dad didn’t make it—a blessing in disguise I’ve always thought. My mom and brother suffered severe injuries. I was fine but the mental toll still wreaks havoc at times.

There are so many other details and events wrapped up in all of that, it’d honestly take a book to share all of it.

I look back at that time and boy I wish I could’ve shook sense into that teenage girl I used to be. We don’t physically get those opportunities though but that’s where mercy and grace step in.

Tragedies that we are completely unprepared for happen in life and we’re left with a choice—to sulk in misery or surrender to Jesus with confident hope.

When we choose the latter of the two we’re met with peace, comfort, and direction.

It took me a long time to learn that I would need to fully give my life to God in order to feel true contentment.

Yesterday I began a demo project in my home which I’ll share in a future post and the song Broken Vessels by Hillsong came on as I was reflecting on thoughts of my dad and prying up old ceramic tile from our dining area…

My dad was a carpenter and a darn accomplished one at that, I share the same love. Wearing my ridiculous looking safety glasses tears slipped from beneath them as the words from the song echoed in the background…

All these pieces

Broken and scattered

In mercy gathered

Mended and whole

Empty handed

But not forsaken

I’ve been set free

I’ve been set free

Amazing Grace

How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

Oh, I once was lost

But now I am found

Was blind but now I see

Those words have never been truer and more life captivating to me than now. I feel the power in them and the love of Jesus stronger than ever. I indeed once was a broken vessel, without a shadow of a doubt, but God has collected, mended, and filled this vessel with an abundance of beautiful hope and for that I am ever grateful.

I miss my dad as much today as I did twenty years ago but my choices and my mind are so much more clearer and healthier now that I’ve gained Jesus as He helps me navigate.

Sweet friend I don’t know whatever your struggle may be but turn your eyes and heart to the Father and allow Him to soften the rough areas. He will guide and provide. Precious healing is found in the midst…

‘Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.’ —2 Timothy 2:21 ESV

The Answer to Quieting Drama

Of our three little fur friends in our house I could never name one that’s more dramatic than the other.

Eli the older of the two Yorkies is accident prone—to the point it almost seems he does stupid things on purpose such as running into doors. He also dreads bath-time and gets so worked up that he’ll pace around in the house until someone picks him up and forces him to have proper personal hygiene. P.S. He’s the one that’s actually diagnosed as special needs so no worries he doesn’t need to see a vet for any of this, he’s already being medicated by one.

Max the younger Yorkie gets ridiculously fired up if he lays eyes on a balloon, the vacuum, or a pair of scissors for a haircut.

And Taya our chihuahua yips and yipes anytime she gets bumped or hurt in the least bit.

And they all equally identify as guard dogs when someone comes to the door..like their little single-digit weight will take someone down…Actually Taya usually tips the scale to 10 or 11 pounds…she likes her food in large doses and several times a day.

This morning Taya’s back paw lightly got caught on the baby gate that separates our living room and my oldest daughter’s room. (I could call it a dog gate rather than a baby gate because that’s the role it plays in our house.)

She got so riled that I wondered if she had a splinter or if something more had happened. I picked her up and was consoling her and comforting her and spoiling her while she was whimpering and whining…then low and behold here came her mama (my youngest daughter) down from her loft bed to the rescue. When Taya saw Mc the dramatic whining immediately stopped, the tail began wagging wildly, and Taya flew into Mc’s arms and the smothering kisses began!!

She was absolutely, perfectly fine!!

When I think about this I’m reminded of a little child happily playing one moment—oblivious to accidents or danger, followed by a tiny topple and then resulting in an inevitable bumped knee or scraped elbow. The over-the-top, dramatic wailing starts right away and then comes a desperate cry for help, “Mommy! Mommy!” Mama comes to the rescue (just like Mc did for Taya) and she simply scoops her child up, kisses the owie, and maybe covers it over with a band-aide and it’s soon forgotten about.

The recovery time is almost instant…all because of a mama’s love and comfort.

I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve gotten way too dramatic in life…emotionally, physically, or mentally but always, always, ALWAYS God is there for the rescue. Every. Single. Time.

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. —Psalm 46:1

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them all from their troubles. —Psalm 34:17-18

In our brokenness, with our hurts, even when we’re in a dramatic state of mind God wants us to come to Him.

Knowing God leads to loving Him, and trusting that He is capable of healing anything.

Being in love with God means that when the drama or owies in life come (and they will) we have a Rescuer we can call out to anytime, anyplace. The recovery time God offers in times of hurt and heartache is unbeatable and beautifully life altering.

I pray we would passionately seek Him out regularly in the good times and the undesirable alike.

Sweet weekend blessings to you all!!

Our Sins Are ‘Toast’

Unfortunately burnt toast and burnt whatever happens more often then I’d like to admit in my house.

This was from yesterday morning, and the smoke that ensued caused my twelve year old to gag and ask how much longer till we we’d be leaving for the day.

I seriously just have to laugh it off anymore because it happens in what feels like a millisecond of time and frequently; if I didn’t laugh I’d spend a majority of my time offended.

One moment hunger-craved-food goes into our toaster oven…and the next moment smoke-alarms “long” to sound off wildly…had my family not pulled the batteries months ago after getting irritated with the ear piercing urgent beeping.

I really need to put batteries back in…just in case.

We bought the little toaster oven because of the convenience it offers. I can easily bake or toast non gluten free items in it and then afterwards line the baking tray with fresh foil to make my gluten free daughter’s food without the worry of cross contamination. It really works wonders so long as I pay attention. Literally though I can pop something in, turn around to take care of something else for what I think is just a speck of time, and come back to find a haze of smoke creeping it’s way out followed by a display of well done briquettes. It puts Weber to shame!

Side note: Truly the “burnt offerings” as they’ve come to be known at the Witt residence, have something to do with my ADD kicking in (which I’d actually rather refer to as multitasking, it makes me feel a bit more accomplished.) So in hindsight, I realize, I’m to blame for the blackened treasures. The toaster oven is not malfunctioning, it’s the operator!

The uncanny part of me sharing this story is that through this bad habit of burning food I’m actually reminded of how quickly sin can take up space in my life.

There have been times, as a Christian, where I feel so close to God that I forget Satan is always lurking, looking to devour. My Bible reading is meaningful, prayer time is heartfelt, and tithing is passionate and it seems like none of that could go wrong…

But then, as if out of nowhere, a Bible reading gets replaced by an article from CountryLiving, prayer time is interrupted by a Pinterest inspired craft time, and tithing is cut short because of supplies for the Pinterest craft.

And then the grueling process of sin builds; it becomes a gateway for additional slip-ups to come in more prominently — the Pinterest craft doesn’t turn out just right and anger instills, the best friend’s version looks flawless and jealousy emerges…

Can anyone else relate??

Friends what I end up with is anything far from a tasteful dish…

Instead I’ve allowed the sneakiest fox of all known as Satan to have his way with me…

Because once I begin to abandon those good habits I had (with me and Jesus) I become smoldered in a mess of sin.

And it happens in the blink of an eye…just like that burnt toast.

The good intentions are there, but if I don’t pay attention with care and concern sometimes those good intentions are scorched over with no forewarning.

Thankfully we serve a God who isn’t a fan of sin (and probably not burnt toast either). He’s not around to hang out for those things. He’s a God full of mercy and grace, and even re-do’s.

Which brings me to my point…

Whenever I end up with burnt toast, I remove it from the heat source, set it on a plate to cool off, and then I ditch that burnt toast to the trashcan faster than it took to burn it!! And I begin again — this next time with more attentiveness.

And you know something? I’m convinced God has a likeness with us and our sin nature and His way comes readily and unconditionally every time. He intervenes, carries us as we vent, shows us the correct path while our other one trails in the dust behind and then He leads us closer and nearer to Heaven’s perfect banquet, lovingly prepared by Him.

And that’s a feast I never want to miss out on.

Father God, you are so good to us. Our mess of sin, no matter how dark, is nothing compared to your gracious love. You desire to come to our rescue and you want nothing more than to have each of us as your very own. Thank you for never giving up on us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

‘For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.’ —Hebrews 8:12

Upward Faith

With last week bearing Thanksgiving, I’ve gotta be honest, I felt far from thankful on a holiday that’s renowned for thankfulness and gratefulness here in America.

It just felt off in so many ways. My brother and his family were in quarantine at the last minute and unable to join us at my house for Thanksgiving dinner, another half of our family celebrated out of town and it didn’t work for us to go, and the large Witt Thanksgiving lunch we have the Saturday after every Thanksgiving holiday (where always more than fifty gather) couldn’t happen due to Covid number-restrictions.

Side-note: I feel like writing this whole post on how sick and tired I am of Covid and everything it entails but I’ll refrain because this whole thing would turn dark real quick and that’s the opposite of my point.

Over the past few weeks my morning Bible reading has been in Hebrews and I’m now at chapter 11. As a reminder this is the chapter known as the “Hall of Faith.” Versus 4 through 12 note the commendable faith of ‘Bible heroes’ such as Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Sarah.

It’s versus 13 through 16, however, that have really captured my heart:

13 All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. 14 Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. 15 If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. 16 But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

The things they were promised — the acquiring of the land of Canaan, the consummating of numerous descendants, the Messiah in the flesh — they never saw these things fulfilled in their lifetime. BUT, and this is the motivating and inspirational piece for me, they embraced the idea and strong belief that one day those things would come to fruition, even if it meant not seeing them happen in their present time. Referring to themselves as ‘foreigners and nomads here on earth’ they trusted in greater blessings by longing for a ‘better place, a heavenly homeland.’

None of them were perfect people, but they also didn’t have their faith hung up by unanswered hopes and earthly letdowns. Rather they held onto heavenly hope that God would one day fulfill their desired promises — and because of that we read their names in Hebrews 11 pointing straight to their encouraging faith.

You guys, we are in the same boat as those mentioned above. As believers who hold onto faith in God, His ways, and His words we trust that this is absolutely not our world to find contentment and fulfillment in. Our faith is in a God who is so much bigger than the issues and hardships we’re facing. Even if it’s just petty whining over broken holiday traditions — God is still moving, but at His will and His perfect timing. His leading has the power to take our focus away from earthly discouragement.

For me, I know I can’t get so selfish as to think of last week’s Thanksgiving from a place of my own “deserved” comfort.

True Thanksgiving points me to Christ and His home.

Disappointment doesn’t line up with faith and when I choose to be optimistic, realizing that this earth and even a holiday fixed on counting blessings isn’t the real object of true blessing, then I turn my eyes to Jesus — trusting and believing that in Him lies the real hope. It’s in Him where my faith is tied, knowing this life and all of it’s surprises (good and bad) are so far from the true goodness and rich blessings found in our permanent Heavenly home…just the same reassuring faith we find in the lives of those mentioned in the faith chapter of Hebrews 11.

With that, I can thank God passionately (no matter the circumstances) for His word and my trust in Heavenly faith — for His purpose.

Relating to Max (Paige’s dog)

Max, my daughter’s dog, only weighs a whopping three pounds but the little guy has the demeanor of a bulldog…most of the time…

I took this video (above…actually I’m not linking the video because it’s messing up my post) earlier this year where he’d somehow gotten over to our coffee table but now wanted back to the couch but couldn’t bring himself to take the step to do so.

Fear separated him from what he so desperately desired.

I consider the times where I’ve mentally visited that same posture — resistant to take the leap but desperately wanting to get to the other side.

For me, fear was my hangup just like with Max but mine was long-lasting instead.

Our lack of faith or trust plays out in the form of emotions like fear, anger, anxiety…and the bottom line is it points back to an error in our relationship with Jesus.

Isaiah 26:3 says, ‘You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.’

When I wrote ‘I’m Over You, Fear’ (last October) God did such an amazing work in me.

That word, fear, had hovered over me for years and years so that it had became so ingrained in me that I would, by habit, set myself up for failure. It was last year when I finally began to search my heart to figure out the problem and what I came to was that I had allowed different circumstances (from over the years) to define me which caused deep rooted fear as my internal self-label. I was living through built-up, unfortunate insecurities rather than releasing Satan’s stronghold to God — subconsciously resistant to giving them to Him for the benefit of peace and healing.

I look back and can’t believe how much time I let pass under the pressure of fear.

I know I write about fear a lot, but I do so because I realize how much of an issue it is for myself and so many others! Just this year, in 2020 alone, I’ve had multiple conversations with friends and complete strangers finally opening up about their real and ongoing struggle with fear.

The truth is…we can combat fear!! But we need to be intentional in pursuing Christ! Our relationship with Him needs to be alive and active, and the most important part of our lives.

Listen, Max didn’t get back over to the couch until my husband picked him up and moved him there. Max needed a helper and the same is true for us.

We must connect with God.

We need to understand that though our battles aren’t in our favor (it could be in the form of declining health, friendships on the brink, rocky careers — whatever area we need help) our faith will absolutely not fail when we’re making a daily conscious effort to connect with God.

He brings us peace and comfort if we will allow it and He’s big enough to handle us along with our problems!

Connecting with God looks like quiet time in prayer and reading His word. But it also includes listening to Him speak over our fears or whatever those feelings might be.

Listen to God speak over us.

Sometimes God answers our heart’s discontent through His word and prayer — other times through a Sunday morning church service, or through the wise words of a Christian friend.

Share our heart/feelings.

We knew Max was in distress because he unashamedly cried out in need, making his request known.

Allow your feelings to be made known to God and those He has placed in your life that you trust. Fellowship with other believers can be emotionally and spiritually therapeutic.

Joyfully soak in encouragement.

Max loves and finds comfort through my daughter’s voice, especially when Paige really sugar coats it with some baby talk…he listens excitedly then and it is a huge encouragement to him. Now God most likely won’t baby talk to us but we are His children and when we choose to listen He speaks truth and wise direction over us (in various ways) as our Heavenly Father.

We find encouragement through connecting with God, listening to Him speak truth over our emotions, and sharing our heart with those we trust. When we’re encouraged we believe there’s purpose and reason to celebrate! When we discover how freeing it is to be released from negative feelings we should desire more of God.

Maintain our relationship with God.

Max is so devoted to Paige it’s almost repulsive. All of Max’s fear and anxiety melts away the moment she scoops him up close to her. He usually puts up a rigid front against the rest of the family because he wants her to himself. He loves Paige that much. This I don’t recommend BUT in the same sense our daily relationship with God should be the dedication Max shows to Paige. We should want to be protective of our time with God, not becoming lenient.

Paige’s dog has developed a trust in her because the two of them pour love into one another and he faithfully follows her footsteps as his “choice person”.

I get it — because I get better, not perfect but better, at giving up my insecurities when I closely walk with Jesus…my choice person.

Our love for God, others, and self grows stronger the more we understand, develop and maintain positive habits learned from following Jesus.

Like Max, I too know I want to get to the secure side…and when I make my goals spoken and known I overcome the adversity with God right in the midst of it all.

I don’t want to write a story of fear but instead a story of faith.

Applicable verse:

When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. —Psalm 94:19

Just So You Know

I’m pretty excited to share my next post with you! (The ‘happy’ one I’ll put up after this one…)

But let me just say I honestly feel like I can’t even post that next one without feeling a little bit guilty. And that’s unfair and sickening to me.

Because of the ridiculous rioting taking place it begs and tries to halt life, everyone’s life…bringing attention to the negative…and I’m just not going to revolve my blog around such nonsense. I have future posts planned that have nothing to do with the latest in news and yet there’s a lie trying to fester within me that keeps saying ‘my posts should only give thought and focus to the mess that’s currently happening.’ …Well that mess has Satan’s ‘yuck’ written all over it. I’m not saying I should be totally ignoring that lie, but I’m not about to feel like I shouldn’t be able to be excited and enjoying life just because of other’s poor decisions and dealings. I shouldn’t have to feel like all of my posts need to wrap around that situation or that if they don’t then I’m being insensitive.

I get the frustration. I get seeking justice. I get the protest. I get speaking out, but doing so with peace!! My heart breaks for the hurt of others. I FULLY want to see each and every person treated fairly and equally…but my posts will absolutely not get hung up feeling like I can’t write or share about the positive things that excite me nevertheless just because of this ongoing madness.

With that, it is my prayer that all people would seek Jesus — replicating His love for others. This might be my only post that ever mentions the latest news and that’s okay, I know where my heart lies. ❤️🙏

Finishing up I’ll leave you with a picture of our family spending Friday evening with some of our best family friends, who adopted four Haitian kids a few years ago.

When people have a discrimination issue they certainly miss out on some of the best, beautiful memories and moments that can happen. These kids are such an awesome blessing in my life and to my own kids as well. We’re so thankful to know and love them!

…and yes their mama gave me permission to post the pic and added through her own words that, “kids are such a shining example of God’s desire for us and they accept people how God created them.”

Thanks for reading friends, take care!

‘He has told you, O man what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?’ —Micah 6:8

Learning in the Garden

Nate and I decided to plant our vegetable garden (this year) in large containers on our patio outback. This is definitely a means of rookie gardening for us.A few weeks ago when we transferred our plants from their indoor starter containers into the outdoor ones they weren’t looking too hot. I was like ‘ahh great here we go again killing off another season of veggies’…because when we’ve planted directly into the ground in past years that’s typically how we roll so I was bracing myself that this year’s gardening “experiment” would be no exception. But with my doubt, Nathan reminded me, “just give it time, it has to adjust to new soil.”

…And I think he’s right because over the past week these plants have really began to grow. They look good!It makes me think of someone new to the Christian faith; a life without Christ compared to a seasoned life with, should look dramatically different. Therefore those beginning stages can have kind of an ebb and flow effect as a new believer adjusts and learns fresh ideas, almost like a culture shock. Continue reading “Learning in the Garden”