Seeking

Do you remember the scene in “Toy Story” after Andy gets Buzz Lightyear for his birthday, and the song “ Strange Things ” by Randy Newman comes on? You are looking through Woody’s perspective: his friends now side with Buzz, the comforter goes from Western to Space and cowboy posters are covered over by space heroes, among other things. In hardship, it is all too easy for anyone, even a believer, to question God’s love and goodness . Do you see that I am suffering? Can you hear my prayers? Worse, we can think: don’t I get a break here? I’m faithful. This is unnecessary…too much.  From the start of quarantine, I have had some “strange things” happen to me – hives, mosquito bites, migraines, neck strain, allergies, chronic fatigue, sleeplessness, parasites and, most recently, job loss. (And if you are wondering if I have COVID-19, rest assured, I am negative.) One reason they are strange is because of their timing. For instance, I woke up from head to toe the first Sunday morning w...

Hearts of Fire is Written by the Voice of the Martyrs. This 293-page book highlights 8 women’s stories of faith and gets you thinking about your own. This book has brought me a depth of conviction and encouragement, because it highlights what God can do, when a heart is fully surrendered and then empowered by the Holy Spirit, allowing ordinary women to do the impossible, in the face of persecution and/or testing. During a small gathering for my birthday in February, a sister in Christ told me about “this amazing book,” Hearts of Fire, and I wanted to start reading it, immediately. Early March, I was at the Grove’s annual rummage sale, and there it was! I was ecstatic. I also thought about starting a book club, so I began to pray. Shortly after, the same friend sent a text to the women from that lunch with a link to get a free copy of the book. A few said they also wanted to read it – this was the nudge I needed to start my first book club . Over the course of 12 weeks, 7 ladies and I...

For Rick, Jacob, Zachary and I, "Quarantine Life" doesn't look too different from "Married Life." We already spend a significant amount of time at home, make our own meals and seek opportunities to serve God and others in and outside the home. Granted, Rick staying home from work for 3 months (with pay) was one of the BIGGEST BLESSINGS ever!!! He and I had not spent so much time together since our 2-week honeymoon, 5 years ago. And last month we had the honor of recording our  testimonies  on a marriage podcast, and it's been such a blessing to hear it is encouraging others (listen by clicking here ). We are grateful God continues stretching, growing and using us . We are being practical, praying for wisdom, remaining cautious and are making the most of the opportunities/technology available. Most importantly, the Lord continues opening doors and drawing hurting people to be pointed back to Christ. I am so grateful to Redeem this Time for God, by Ri...