Preparing the Way for Joy
We wait. We yearn. We long. Sometimes we pine for the familiar of days gone by. Other times we thirst for the novelty of desires not yet fulfilled. Our longings are usually that restless space in time where emptiness and expectancy oddly co-exist. Where patience is tested and perseverance is summoned. Where the futility of […]
Release and Trust + Minestrone Soup
My kids love a good trust fall. As they climb up on something, they declare they’re going to do one and wait for a parent or sibling to come over. With one more glance back to ensure readiness, they stick their arms out, close their eyes, and fall backward, unhindered. Fully trusting that whoever is […]
In the Waiting
I pressed the power button and waited. As usual, the white dots appeared and began circling in the middle of the blank blue screen as the laptop booted up. What was probably only mere seconds felt more like minutes and I might have grumbled under my breath, “Come on!” The waiting was surely getting the […]
When God Says Yes
“Waiting is boring. It’s discouraging and worst of all it gives place to schemes. When we see nothing happening we want to make something happen. That’s what Sarah did when she told Abraham to take Hagar and have a baby with her. She had reached the point where the possibility of new life being created […]
An Advent Invitation
Do you feel it during the Advent season? The greater weight of others’ expectations? Am I doing all the things to let my loved ones know my care for them at Christmas? While at the same time keeping up with the daily demands of life? As I hustle to do all the things, I’m also […]
This Week’s Theme: Waiting
“The world is not as it should be. Not yet. We wait in the shadows for God’s full redemption and perfect light that is promised.” Tsh Oxenreider, Shadow and Light Sometimes Advent feels like one long stretch of holding our breath. Waiting to finally experience quiet after activities and rushing and fitting in all the […]
I Hate Waiting
I hate waiting. It’s the worst. And I’m not necessarily talking about waiting in long immigration lines or sitting in traffic, although those can be annoying and stress inducing. I’m talking about the other waits, the ones that we can’t control and the end is unclear. Waiting for our work to succeed. Waiting for clarity […]
Our Day-Spring
As we sing the songs of Advent, we are reminded of deep longings for wholeness and restoration. These present times can feel dark and heavy. We see brokenness because of sin, and we cry out for hope and healing. We hold a tension between the merriment of the Christmas season and the darkness in this […]
Waiting Safely
When I was a child I used to love the weeks leading up to Christmas. The waiting for that one special day that was slowly approaching was almost delicious. Every class party, Christmas church play, cookie baking session or carol singing with friends seemed to add a little more anticipation until I’d find myself lying […]
Waiting is Just Part of It all
I heard an overseas friend recently say, “Waiting is just part of it all.” I found myself begrudgingly nodding my head to her statement. I recognized the truth of her words as they resonated deep with my soul. Waiting sure is a part of it all. Honestly, waiting is a rather HUGE part of it […]