Travel, preparations, appointments, and responsibilities had become “too tight.” There wasn’t enough breathing room in my days. I was trying to return to a peaceful rhythm but not acknowledging the real issue. My soul was aching from being constricted, just like my feet were.

The counter and room are too dark apparently for me to notice some of those crumbs, even during the day. Or perhaps I’m in too much of a hurry to really pay attention to those tiny white specks that can disappear in the lighter granite details swirled in the black. But they’re there like sins in my life that I don't see - or choose not to see...

God breathed life into the four little chapters of Malachi as I slowed down and spent 10 days soaking in the message He had for me. I’d like to share it with you. It was worth all the days of digging to receive the treasure God had tucked in His Word for me. The shift in my heart brought a bubbling joy, like fresh water rising from a natural spring. 

He who created all things and establishes all authority. My eyes welled with tears as my heart deeply connected with God in that moment, and I tried to grasp the wonder of His Kingship. God—the ultimate Sovereign. He is enthroned in majesty and glory, born a humble human who ultimately wore a crown of thorns. He is also our Shepherd-King. These truths change our outlook...

Growing spiritually can look similar to physical growth. The pace of growth is unique to each individual. Stages are often repeated in one or in multiple areas of our heart on our journey to spiritual maturity.

I’m not perfect or perfect at letting go of my expectations. I struggle letting things be messy or not sticking to the schedule. I want to maintain normalcy. Ugh, how frustrating my own shortcomings can be! Maybe you feel this way too.

The only way I will learn to walk in the Spirit, and surrender to the ropes of love that are pulling me gently along on life’s journey, is to look at the Lord. To turn my gaze to Him when distractions put me in a tizzy, and I want to react with urgency and jump at the next thing that needs to get done. To look to Him when my emotions want to get the best of me...

I have turned up my nose to what God places before me, longing for something else. I mistakenly think what I’m served isn’t good or right for me. I kick and scream. I refuse to receive what I’m given. When I come to these moments in life, I pray to choose to eat the “bowl of soup” in front of me and give thanks, trusting my Father to provide what I need.

I voiced the questions. I shared the doubts in full honesty with the One who holds me in the palm of His hand. I also talked with Him about the things going well—the areas where I felt strong and capable. I’ve learned to bring even that to the Father—my strengths, my wins, my sense of control—because the goal isn’t to feel good about myself, but to stay connected to the Vine.