A Kingdom Heartbeat

The (Un)chosen Yoke

Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 28-30 ESV  Shame.… Continue reading The (Un)chosen Yoke

Past Pretending

“Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.”  ~ Mark Twain It had been 30 years since our last interaction — an interaction that knocked the wind out of me, beat me like a punching bag, and left me crumpled on the floor. Her eyes were full of… Continue reading Past Pretending

The Control Conundrum (part 1)

Do you ever wrestle with control?  Have you tried to control things only to have it all blow up in your face?  I have been described as a doer and a go-getter and confess I used to embrace those descriptions like badges of honor pinned to my chest; something to be proud of. But as… Continue reading The Control Conundrum (part 1)

When Fun Isn’t Fulfilling

Have you every felt so weary that all you longed for was just a little bit of fun? Something to distract you from the crushing weight of responsibility? The monotony of daily life? A recent loss? Our two rescue pups delight in snow. With ears flapping wildly behind, they prance about, nuzzling their noses into… Continue reading When Fun Isn’t Fulfilling

Intruders

Discernment. Timing. Patience. Wisdom. Ever have one of those days (weeks, years, or perhaps life?) when you helplessly watch an intruder gobble up your sustenance–not kibbles, but your sustenance of time, emotional energy, physical stamina, spiritual refreshment, or mental health? Intruders can come slowly over a course of time, or they can arrive abruptly, loaded… Continue reading Intruders

Attack of the Killer Treadmill

  This is a lighthearted post for those who’ve exercised on a treadmill and have been found (sorely) wanting. For bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things…  1Timothy 4:8 Donned in our fashionable exercise outfits (old sweats and worn out T shirts), my husband, myself, and our two… Continue reading Attack of the Killer Treadmill

Living Dangerously

“Zippity doo dah, zippity day, my oh my, what a wonderful day! Plenty of sunshine headin’ my way, zippity doo dah, zippity day.” Depending on your age, you may or may not remember this Disney song. For me, it pulsed vividly through my mind—with an emphasis on zippity, and minus the sunshine. Let me explain.… Continue reading Living Dangerously

Hoping…

“Hope it all works out!” “Hope you get well soon!” “Hope you find a new job!” “Hope your baby sleeps through the night!”… These are wishes based on the pursuit of comfort, the want of better circumstances, easier lifestyle, and escape from current challenges. But they’re not hope. When I find myself looking for hope… Continue reading Hoping…

A reflection on love

Growing up as a child, I remember singing “Jesus loves me, this I know…” But I didn’t fully know. It wasn’t until I was 16 years old that I came to experience the truth of that simple song on a personal level. It was life-changing. That was 33 years ago. As I near my 49th… Continue reading A reflection on love