Is God calling you deeper? Deeper into His presence? Deeper into His Word? Deeper into His heart? I know He is calling me. This past week, while on vacation with my family, I was surprised by an enveloping Presence as I was standing on the deck looking out toward the ocean’s horizon. He was so tender and the moment was so holy, I knew not what to say. I was totally silent within, while the wind and waves were shouting without. I felt that time and tide had converged to bring me into a place I didn’t know I was seeking. After a little while, the voice of my heart…

As the Sun sets over the Gulf, I am sitting up in bed in the house on the beach we’ve rented this year for our family vacation. There are 29 of us this year, and so there are two houses. We have multiplied, of course, in the 30 plus years that my sister and I have been coming here, initially with our parents and then with our growing families. It’s something we look forward to and plan for months in advance, and by the time we leave at the end of the week, we will have scheduled the houses and the dates for next year. To say that it’s a…

He is my firm foundation. When everything is shaking and nothing seems to be standing, my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. He is unshakeable, unchanging, immutable and irrefutable. I don’t know what is going to happen, and I don’t often know what is the right or wise decision to make amidst the current chaos surrounding us. But, I do know the One who not only knows but who also is in complete control. I am a child leaning into Father and listening for the voice of Him who faithfully shepherds me. This may sound simple, even naive. I do not apologize. The gospel is…

Trading requires two things: letting go and taking hold. We, in our fallen state, are prone to cling to what is bad for us and often miss opportunities to take hold of what is good for us. One of the things that can be difficult to let go is regret. This past week I had an opportunity to deny myself, my comfort, and choose someone else’s preferences and priorities. I did not embrace that opportunity, and in the process of setting boundaries to protect my own time and energy and resources I caused hardship and discomfort for others. Others who are actually dear to me and not one’s I’d want…