A Holy Pursuit

Have you ever tried something new and thought to yourself, Why haven’t I been doing this forever?! That’s exactly how I felt this weekend. Bryan and I went to his family’s cottage in eastern Ohio and I absolutely fell in love with something I know I’ll be doing a lot more of now. But let me start from the beginning. It all started this past June when I was supposed to be going on a mission trip with our high school students to Nashville. However, at the last minute my plans changed and instead I spent the week with my family in Indiana after the passing of my uncle. It was a blessed week, although tough, and when Bryan and I were reunited he brought me a pair of Nike trail running shoes from the Nike outlet store in Nashville. I had a couple chances to wear them recently on some “trails”, but the trails in downtown Columbus cannot compare to the trails at the Nass cottage on the lake. So Bryan and I spent Friday night and all day Saturday at the cottage. We kayaked watchi...

This morning as I was perusing Facebook I came across a clip of Ronda Rousey fighting. Whoever had posted it expressed how great she was and my curiosity was peaked. However, after a couple seconds of watching Rousey literally demolish her opponent with face punches and grappling, then finishing her off by dislocating her arm, I couldn’t handle any more. After watching that video I couldn’t help but think of the general loss of human dignity in our culture. Not convinced? Allow me. A few weeks ago a young man I know made a comment along the lines of, “If you’re going to dress like a whore, don’t be surprised when you’re treated like one.” Now, this comment wasn’t directed at me, but this young man, who considers himself a Christ follower, was offering this very derogatory comment to a young lady who apparently dresses without much dignity for herself. So he was determining to treat her with little dignity, as well. Here’s another example: As I was driving home from church toda...

Friends, today it’s lemon infused water that I am sipping on, and it is so clean, crisp, and refreshing. It tastes like summer even when all the rainy weather has me wondering if we’re stuck in eternal spring. Regardless, you know what else is refreshing? This month’s promise! My soul is basking in the truth and promise contained in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5-6. No, I’m not all ambitious and tackling two promises this month. This promise is found in both the Old and New Testaments. I think it’s so cool that what is said in the Old Testament is often reiterated in the New Testament, further proving its value and significance. So anyway, the text in Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” In this passage Moses is speaking to the Israelites and specifically Joshua, as Joshua is preparing to take over for Moses. These words come as much needed encour...

Friends, I want to be honest with you in two areas here. First, I did not have tea or coffee today. Nope. Instead I made a clean chocolate shake and I enjoyed every last drop of it. Second, I have come to the end of this school/ministry year feeling rather exhausted. The trials seem to be a bit relentless and the joy sometimes seems to be a bit lacking. Those are the very reasons that this month’s promise is so refreshing and encouraging to my soul, and I hope it is for you, too. Galatians 6:9-10 holds the precious promise we’ll be looking at today. It says, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith”. So let’s break this verse down. First, we are commanded to not grow weary of doing good. Easy for them to say, you might be thinking, right? They don’t have your family, or your coworkers, or your thankless job. I b...

Alright, friends, confession time for me. You know how some people say they have a sweet tooth, symbolizing a desire for candy and desserts? Well I am absolutely convinced that I have a whole mouthful of sweet teeth. All I know is that my often insatiable desire for sweets can’t be caused by just one tooth. It’s often an overpowering temptation for me to gorge myself on sugar and sweet foods, in order to try to satisfy that sweet tooth (or teeth). However, I have come to realize that eating a cookie or a brownie or ice-cream does not satisfy my desire for sugar, instead it seems to intensify the urge and I continue wanting more. I have learned that I have to really watch my sugar temptation or I will allow myself to give in far too often. I find that the same is true for many other temptations. We think that giving in to one little thing won’t be a big deal, but before we know it, that temptation has given way to more temptation and more sin and more destruction, and we have a muc...

Ok guys, I have to admit, I just caved from my normal tea routine and grabbed a decaf coffee. It just sounded so yummy. Even though it’s gorgeous outside, although a little dreary, I was sitting at my computer shivering and needed a little something to warm me up. This coffee is doing just the trick. As I was considering which promise to share this month, one in particular jumped out at me. Maybe because it’s underlined in bold in my Bible, but I think it’s mostly because the Lord knows I need to dwell on the Truth of this verse every day of my life. This particular passage is also a favorite of my family of origin. My parents have had a plaque with this verse hanging in their living room for quite some time. It has a picture of a majestic eagle soaring above the earth. Any guesses on the verse I’m talking about? If you guessed Isaiah 40:29-31 you are absolutely right. It contains such a pertinent promise to those desiring to live a victorious life in Christ. “He gives power to ...

A couple weeks ago Bryan and I were able to have a wonderful sleepover with our two nieces, Lily (4) and Violet (2). They are as opposite as they come, with Lily being very quiet and sweet, and Violet being every bit as loud and hilarious as she can be! Needless to say, it is always a good time being with them. On this particular evening of our slumber party we were eating dinner and told the girls that we had a surprise for them after they finished eating. Of course, they immediately resorted to a game of 20 questions, trying to figure out their surprise. After a round of questions and failed guesses from both of them, sweet little Lily exclaimed, "Is our surprise a big pile of dirt?!" Bryan and I could not contain our laughter as we explained that the surprise would hopefully be a little better than a pile of dirt.  As I tried to figure out why Lily thought a pile of dirt would be a good surprise for little girls, I was reminded of how our Father in heaven loves ...

It’s a new year which always makes me feel like I have a new start and can accomplish new goals and endeavors. I liken it to finishing a journal and starting a new one. Just such a good feeling! With this new year I am looking forward to going through some of God’s promises with you, and focusing on a different one each month. As I go through different challenges or hardships in life, it is the knowledge and application of God’s promises that keep me rooted and able to press on. I love studying more about God’s promises and how to apply them to my life and I am excited to embark on this new journey with you. So grab a cute mug, fill it with your favorite coffee or tea, and plop down in your most comfy chair. The first promise we’ll be studying is from Romans 8:28. This verse states, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose”. What wonderful, encouraging, captivating words! For those who are in Chr...