“Let all things be done decently and in order.” 1Corinthians 14:40 Order is an elusive word that slips off my tongue and right through my hands. Most days, my plans for orderliness go great. Other days, they go crazy, fade from view, fall behind and flat-out fail. I’ve misplaced my phone, keys, lists and priorities. I’ve tripped over dog toys, dust bunnies and stray shoes (all in one day). In ...
Continue ReadingJumping by Faith into the New Year
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 This past year felt like a bungie jump to nowhere. It was full of exhilarating, exasperating, exhausting and emotional ups and downs that seemed to leave many of us hanging just short of our desired destinations. I don’t know who said hindsight is 20/20, but seeing 2020 fading in my rearview mirror ...
Continue ReadingGalvanizing Ways to Walk in the Garden of Holiness
“For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.” 1 Thessalonians 4:7 Holiness is an unpopular topic in our culture and churches today. In fact, it’s almost extinct. As self-proclaimed “Christians,” we have grown comfortable forgoing holy living to follow the convenient paths of our choices—doing our own things and walking our own ways. As a result, our lives are full of ...
Continue ReadingWays to Settle into Nesting Naturally
“Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.” Psalm 84:3 Birds aren’t the only ones with built-in nesting instincts. Humans have them too—natural “God-given” desires to establish a place to call home. It’s one of the most natural things we can settle into. Nesting Comes ...
Continue ReadingHow to Welcome Guests to Your Home & Garden
“Use hospitality one to another without grudging.” 1 Peter 4:9 It’s horrible to feel left out of a social gathering. It’s even more uncomfortable to be invited and find there’s no seat or the only chair available is far from the conversation. Being relegated to sitting on the arm of a white sofa while balancing a paper plate full of greasy food on your lap is awkward. Simply put, this is no way ...
Continue Reading