All tagged Peace

When You're Longing to Hear from God...

How long has it been since I felt like I honest-to-goodness heard from the Lord?

I can’t even remember.

It had been such a long time since I’d found that golden-Holy-Spirit-nugget-of-truth, jumping off the pages, bringing clarity, solace, understanding, even a surge of energy. For more days than I could count, it seemed as if I have been merely going through the motions, doing the next “right” thing, hoping that eventually there would be some type of break thru - that familiar, yet unfamiliar, spark that would once again ignite the passion within me to not merely “get through” another day, but rather seize it with a force of gusto originating from deep within my belly, knowing that I was on target to do what He’d called me to do.

Conversing with Grief - Thank You Mt. Zion UMC

When I walk…I walk fast.  Not speed walker fast, but fast enough that some of my friends to refuse to walk with me.   “Slow down!” they say.  Really?  What’s the use of walking, if you don’t walk fast?  I mean, burning calories is the goal, right?

Silencing the Voice of Comparison - Part 1

Why do we do it? Why do we compare? We know it’s a black hole.  It won’t help, nor will it solve any issues.  In fact, it makes issues much larger and bigger than they already are! So why do we insist on carrying on this love affair with comparison?

Our Journey - Bring it On 2018!

On several occasions these past weeks, I’ve heard many friends, acquaintances, and even a waitress or two mention looking forward to leaving 2017 behind, kissing it goodbye, kicking it to the curb, and boldly declaring “Good riddance!”  I include myself in this group.

When Sadness Chases You through Christmas

Yes, Christmas is indeed the most wonderful time of the year! But not for everyone. Christmas can hold thoughts, memories, and realities that are nothing short of painful. And as much as you attempt to join in the festivities, sadness and/or straight up depression seem to chase you through the season much like a lion in pursuit to devour his prey.  Running as fast as you can, you’re actually breathless and overwhelmed with the possibility of succumbing to the very beast you know has been defeated by the birth of the One you celebrate.

Taking Care of Business for 2018

I was struggling for air, feeling as if I’d been holding my breath for ages.  My heart was literally racing.  I had that sick feeling in my stomach, which for me is indicative of shock, trauma even.

Our Journey - Put Up or Shut Up

This week I experienced a moment in which doubt attempted to make its ugly way into my thoughts, stealing my peace, and changing my course on this journey of faith and transformation

Our Journey - Even Now

In the midst of some pretty serious life circumstances this week, I found myself feeling a bit frightened, even somewhat hopeless - not because I thought God wasn’t able to intervene and handle the situation, but because I wondered if it was too late

Our Journey Continues - Relearning Prayer

“Oh great!” I thought, as I’d never considered intercession to be one of my spiritual gifts. “I’m too ADHD for that, God!  You understand, don’t You?!” Up to that point, my prayer life most often consisted of brief moments taken whenever prayer happened to came to mind. Looking back, I believe I had almost taken a stance of apathy, as I convinced myself that I should leave the really serious battle-fighting prayers to those who had been given this gift.

Our Journey Continues - The Power of Empathy

As I’ve watched Stan navigate through feelings of shock, disbelief, fear, ownership, determination and execution in regards to a diagnosis and all that it entails, I’ve been nothing short of amazed at the man God has given me.  Stan didn’t want this challenge, nor did he ask for it with bad habits and lack of self-care.

Our Journey Continues - Finding Our Place

Recently I was a bit taken back when I came across Proverbs 27:8: “Like a bird that wanders from its nest, is a man who wanders from his place,” prompting the question…What is my place, Lord? What is my place when the terrain which normally seems so predictable, yet productive, looks completely different, causing me to scratch my head in bewilderment?

The Secret of Mary's Success

Thanksgiving is officially over.  I’ve eaten way too much. I’ve talked politics with family members till I’m blue in the face. My house is a total disaster. My checking account has taken a serious hit, and my body has officially nose-dived from all of the sugar I’ve consumed.  I weighed this morning and I just about died.  It’s been great, to say the least. Settling back into reality is quickly approaching, and Christmas is merely weeks away.