"A wizard is never late, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to."This sentence, uttered by Gandalf the Grey in Peter Jackson's film adaptation of The Fellowship of the Ring, comes as the famous wizard arrives in the Shire for Bilbo Baggins birthday party. Bilbo's nephew Frodo has seemingly been waiting hours … Continue reading Waiting for Wizards
Jesus
Party Lines and Prayer Time
When I was younger and would complain about not being able to use the phone, my parents would remind me about their youth and "party lines." In a nut shell, their telephone line was connected to several other families' telephone lines. If you wanted to make a call, you often had to wait until one … Continue reading Party Lines and Prayer Time
Cut Carbs, Add Jesus
In 2019, my husband and I made a decision to get healthy.Neither of us were obese or exceptionally sluggish, but we had both opened our eyes to some bad eating habits and a slight tendency towards laziness that had crept into our lives. Faced with the prospect of a family history of certain diseases and … Continue reading Cut Carbs, Add Jesus
A Legacy of Sin
Today we're continuing on with our lesson from Genesis 4, discussing the tragic downfall of Cain.Remember that both Cain and his brother Abel had come offering sacrifices to the Lord, Cain bringing "some fruits of the soil" and Abel "fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock." (Genesis 4: 3-4a)Now "...the Lord looked … Continue reading A Legacy of Sin
The Heart of Sacrifice
My six year old daughter is a spitfire. She is affectionate, quick to laugh, joyful, and loving. She is also moody, quick to anger, jealous, and hard-headed. In short, she is a six year old. The condition of her heart is often laid bare by the slightest provocation--both good and bad--and while she is generally … Continue reading The Heart of Sacrifice
The End of the World..Or The Beginning?
Today we inaugurate a new president. For half the country, it's a day to celebrate. For the other half, it's a day to mourn. It's either the end of a nightmare or the beginning of one, a brand new day or the end of the world. There is no middle ground. Not anymore. And that, … Continue reading The End of the World..Or The Beginning?
New Year’s Resolutions
Happy New Year! I hope you all had a blessed Christmas and are gearing up to make 2021 the best year yet. Or, at the very least, better than 2020. Right? For me, the new year always brings a lot of excitement. It feels like a fresh start, a clean slate, a chance to make … Continue reading New Year’s Resolutions
A Little Christmas Leprosy
The tree is up, the lights are hung, the season of Advent is here. So, naturally, I want to talk about leprosy. Now, hold on--hear me out. Yes, usually devotional readings during this time of year focus on the birth of Christ, and I truly hope you're soaking in the story of the coming of … Continue reading A Little Christmas Leprosy
Help Me in My Unbelief
2020 has been a year where I have been overwhelmed by the goodness of God. It has also been the year in which I struggled to see it the most. Because I am a believer, but I struggle with unbelief. There are moments when I am filled with faith and awe, sure I am sitting … Continue reading Help Me in My Unbelief
When Following Means Un-Following
Sundays are my favorite days. I love the laziness of a Sunday morning: sleeping in, sipping coffee, taking a long walk through the desert hills surrounding my house. Then it's church, that wonderful time of fellowship, praising Jesus and immersing myself in Truth. Afterwards, feeling alive and refreshed, it's lunch with my family then home … Continue reading When Following Means Un-Following