Tagged: following Jesus

2

Comfort and Hope / Encouragement / Prayer

“Go. Break In!”

This is the final portion of a four-part series. You can read the first post here. The second part of the story is here, and clicking this takes you to the third segment. Sheri’s irresistible invitation to break into the garden had us hightailing it to Sunset Drive. She told us how to gain access. How could we resist experiencing this miracle in the making? After easing the bulky chain with the giant MASTER padlock over the metal fencing, we ventured in.  Yes, God, You are Master over all—every detail, all timing, each gift, this moment, I thought.  Photo: Angie...

2

Comfort and Hope / Encouragement

The Middle of the Story

PART THREE of the Following Jesus Birthday Trip. You can read PART TWO here. Sheri heard weeping the moment she stepped outside, beyond the smokey fire-charred remains of her store. It sounded like a child. Following the wailing to the garden, she discovered a little girl under the canopy of prayer requests. This precious one, unable to find the card she had written during a previous visit to the purple shop, was distraught. Sheri assured her not to worry, “Your prayer is safe with God.” Fire may have destroyed the building and its contents, but the real treasure—the prayers offered...

6

Comfort and Hope / Encouragement / Prayer

Nothing Is Lost

PART TWO of the Following Jesus Birthday Adventure. The wide-open door of the purple building seemed like a warm, welcoming gesture. Two black benches adorned with perky yellow pillows flanked the entrance. So what if there was no signage outside, my friend and I were curious to discover the purpose of this darling establishment. Stepping inside was magical. Bright white floors, shiplap walls, and soaring ceiling planks enveloped us in peace. Light emanated from the space. An artful display of leather journals, meaningful jewelry, wooden signs, gorgeous clothing, and other goodies filled the store.  Eye AND soul candy—what can be...

0

Encouragement

Same Invitation, Different Direction

Melting down the wall decades ago, unable and unwilling to continue in the current course of life, I heard the sweetest words ever, “Follow Me.” Jesus’ invitation was a balm to my desperate soul. Fresh hope doused my discouragement, infusing my ravaged heart with strength. The thought of accompanying Jesus wherever He led seemed feasible. Things could not get worse, and continuing on the current course was no longer an option. Desperation and a refusal to participate in the chaotic cycle of insanity brought me to the end of myself and opened my ears to hear Christ’s life-saving offer. My...

THY WILL, NOT MINE 2

Encouragement / Poetry

THY WILL, NOT MINE

Save Me From Myself Reign me in—don’t let me spinA skillful tale apart from HimWake me up to Satan’s schemesDon’t let me die within my dreamsOr fancied ways of coping withThe constant trials, tilts, and shiftsDo keep me in RealityWith Your eyes, Lord, help me see,Discern and learn, live Your truthO Lord, I long to see the proofOf what You say, who You areFleshed out whether causing scars,Joy or peace, pain or sorrow,Every moment, every hourClinging to the glorious VineYour life flowing into mineYour thoughts coursing in my veinsHoly, reverent, freeing trainsDiverting, guiding, setting freeFrom self-imposed captivityStaying present watching YouMoving...