Book-satchel in tow, I scrambled off the dusty, yellow school bus onto where the farm-to-market road comes to a “T.” Finally home, I was glad to leave the hand-clapping game in the front of the bus and the loud kissing in the back. My second-grade stomach grumbled loudly, anticipating the brownies my mother promised to bake. As I rounded the …
“When you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret” (Matthew 6:6). How often do I really “shut the door” in private prayer? Multiple device media has retrained our minds to expect distractions. Giving God full attention seems near impossible in our day. If we could only turn back the clock to when life proved simpler. …
For most of my life, I have scribbled to-do lists on any and all available paper. In my teen years, I favored note pads from the Crosbyton Review with our high school mascot: the mighty, albeit seldom-victorious Chieftain. As a struggling young mother of two, I wrote on the back of my Mama’s letters or the margin of the church’s …
Sometimes the noisiest place I can be is in the silence of my own thoughts. With so much changing information around us, it is no wonder that it’s difficult to settle my mind. Prayer, a promised source of solace and relief, becomes especially scattered when I am distracted by so many conflicting opinions. I desperately need a reset button within …
Holy Father, This time of shaking has been good for me (Hebrews 12:26-27). While every structure of support crumbles away, this world shift has forced me to analyze better how I’ve built upon the Foundation. I have all sorts of building materials available: the wood of activity, the hay of busyness, and the stubble of good deeds. You’ve rocked all …
“A gentleman was asked by an artist friend of some note to come to his home and see a painting just finished. He went at the time appointed, was shown by the attendant into a room which was quite dark, and left there. He was much surprised, but quietly waited developments. After perhaps fifteen minutes his friend came into the …
Holy Father, How little I rest in You. My soul is like a hummingbird, flitting from flower to flower, truth to truth – expending most of the spiritual energy I derive by just skimming over Your Word, rather than drinking deeply. Yet, You still hold out the Sabbath rest before me, saying “This is the day to rest” (Hebrews …
Is your life crazy? Do you need to calm down, let go and relax? Psalm 62 is a great place for refuge. “My soul waits in silence for God only’ From Him is my salvation.” (Psalm 62:1) Let’s start with a truth meditation. I’ll give you the English words, along with the Hebrew meanings. You put it together …
Talking about waiting before Him is okay. But maybe we should just put it into practice. Push aside some time to be still before the Lord today. Give Him your thoughts and emotions, then slowly allow the words below to wash over you. Don’t rush the time, but listen to how He speaks. May the Father …
