When Faith Feels Hard
There was a time where I had this verse written on the top of a planning calendar. I was trying to encourage myself to “get back on track” during a season of postpartum depression and anxiety. I was determined to continue to find God’s purpose in my life, I truly wanted to see my world through His eyes. When I felt as if I was being obedient and faithful, but the circumstances were still challenging, I would repeat this verse. I wanted to have this promise embedded in my heart. But there is more to it than just being able to memorize the words.
Seasons
Are things moving forward as you hoped they would so far this year? Are there areas that feel like a dead end?
Most of the time we live in the tension of the in-between moments of life in at least one given area. Things don’t always go as planned. We pray and wait for the breakthroughs we so desperately want or need. The waiting is where hope dies if we don’t lean in and let the Lord cultivate faith - believing for what we haven’t seen yet.
Peace On Earth
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Friends, this time of year can be overwhelming. It can be a source of stress, anxiety, worry, and heaviness. As followers of Jesus, we know we are supposed to lay those feelings down at the foot of the cross and surrender them over to Him, but as humans, we often contend with the internal battle of control.
The Shaking
I felt like I was herding cats. The hands of my kids (ages two, four, and seven) were moving faster than I could manage. My husband was at home in bed resting, and there I was at my parents’ house trying to make Christmas cookies with my children. I wanted to teach them how you carefully place each cookie cutter near the edge to get the most out of the dough. Instead, cookie cutters were haphazardly smooshed wherever their hearts desired.