Stiff Necked or Stripped Down? The Choice Between Ornaments and Obedience

I'm never really sure what to do after Easter. I guess that sounds strange ... but it almost feels anticlimactic, these first few days after the somber reflection of Lent leading to Good Friday, the silence of Holy Saturday, and the celebration of Resurrection Sunday. Yesterday Scott had his first real day off since we got home from my parents' house after Spring Break. I cleaned out my closet and ended up with seven bags of clothes to donate. {The emotions and realizations from all of that ... [Read More]

How Do We Choose Best over Good?

... but every good opportunity deserves prayer and careful consideration to determine whether or not it is the best of use of the time and talents God has given you. ~ Erin @ Home with the Boys Okay, I've typed and deleted this post twice.  It's hard to talk about this because it's become such a cliche. I'm pretty sure I've heard this statement or some variation at every conference I've attended in the past couple of years: Be confident in choosing best over good in your life. Y'all, I ... [Read More]

{Encouraging Words} Living Sacrifices

Recently I was part of a discussion about sacrifices and what it means to be a living sacrifice for the Lord. I made note there are only two examples of living sacrifices in the Bible: Isaac and Jesus Christ.  The thing is, a living sacrifice CHOOSES to remain on the altar.  A living sacrifice trusts the Father with everything, surrendering every part of life to His able care. If we are going to live well, we must determine to be living sacrifices offering ourselves entirely to the ... [Read More]

Surrendering Is Harder

I'm re-reading Kris's beautiful book, Holey, Wholly, Holy: A Lenten Journey of Refinement.   It's leaving me undone all over again.   Reminding me just how easy it is to strive instead of surrender. And then I read this from The Practice of the Presence of God, I apply myself diligently to do nothing and think nothing which may displease Him.  (38) Scripture reminds me, See I have set before you today life and good, death and evil.  Deuteronomy 30:15 My devotion says, To be surrendered ... [Read More]

Wholly Devoted?

One life, wholly devoted to God, is of more value to God than a hundred lives simply awakened by God's spirit.  D. L. Moody Oh that I may be a "one" rather than one of "a hundred"! What quote or verse have you read or heard lately that is sticking to you? {Image Credit}   ... [Read More]

{Joy Day 31} The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ

  The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Philippians 4:23 Oh Lord, thank You for the gift of Your grace.   Today, I pray for an open ear to hear the whispers of Your love.  I long for open eyes to see Your faithful love.   May my heart be open to all the joy You came to bring.   May my mind be open to all the truth You are.   Use my hands to touch the lives of others.  Use my feet to move me where You know I need to be.  Use my words to speak life into others.   It's You, ... [Read More]