A Holy Pursuit

Now is the point where I write something I don't like. That's part of sharing what God has been teaching me, and pursuing holiness in all things. It's not always fun. But it's necessary. So read on, at your own risk! :) Women, we were created as the weaker vessel. We have been created as weaker than men (1 Peter 3:7). Now, I get it if that makes your blood boil a little bit. I sometimes feel that, too. After all, that’s part of our curse from Eve, in the beginning (Genesis 3:16). Just as real as the pain in childbirth, is the desire for us to be stronger than men, namely our husbands. I don't want to be weaker. I want to be better, faster, and stronger. But that's not how God created women. It's not how He sovereignly created me. I am weaker than my male counterparts. I get it, ladies. Our culture tells us we can be just as strong, just as fast, and just as good as men. But that's where we get it wrong. Just because we are the weaker vessel doesn...

Four years ago PB and I were having dinner with a friend from college and her gracious parents in their lovely home. We were fulfilling Bryan’s college internship requirements at a wonderful church in Iowa, but we were often lonely, so one of my sweet college floor-mates offered herself and her family as company one evening. We were so thankful for this gesture, and even more thankful to learn from her parents who had been involved in pastoral ministry for many years. I remember exchanging stories and listening intently as we were told the utter importance of remembering God’s faithfulness in our lives in bringing us to Iowa and providing us both with paid internships, free housing, and a great experience. They warned that ministry, and life, would not always be so wonderful and full of hope and joy. They urged us to build a sort of Ebenezer, if you will, to remember God’s faithfulness to us during that stage of life, and be able to look back on it when we are exhausted in ministry, f...

When I was growing up I always pictured myself marrying either a farmer or a pastor. I always wanted to be, or marry, a veterinarian, but for whatever reason I could really only picture myself marrying a farmer or a pastor. I have no idea why I was so drawn to two incredibly different, but incredibly difficult roles, but I was. Growing up in small town Indiana I kind of figured I might end up with a farmer husband, and I really liked that idea. I know that I glamorized this idea in my head, but I pictured myself working out in our big garden pulling weeds, watering, and picking fresh veggies, gathering fresh eggs from our chickens, feeding our cattle and goats, and occasionally playing with a new kitten or puppy. The idea of that labor-intensive role as the wife of a farmer was somehow intriguing and inviting to me. I loved the idea of dirt under my nails, hanging my clothes outside to dry in the sun and breeze, and living in an old farmhouse with a big dining room (that is by far the...

Everyone’s got their goals for the new year. #firstdayoftherestofmylife style, right? I’ve got a few goals for myself, too. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with working towards something, as long as you’re not setting yourself up for failure. I am hoping to lose a little of my tummy and gain a little arm muscle before my brother’s wedding in April (in which I am a bridesmaid and I want to shriek with delight every time I think of it!). I am hoping to spend time in the Word every day. I am hoping to declutter and organize my life a bit. And PB (Pastor Bryan) and I are hoping to buy a home of our own this year. Talk about a major goal. This one gives me a little anxiety sometimes, but it also brings a whole lot of excitement and intrigue as I think about plans for wall colors, a gallery wall, a new bed (all PB wants to accomplish this year is the purchase of a king size bed for my sleeping calisthenics, haha!), creating a little garden, and just organizing my own space. I get...