Freedom Called My Name
Years ago, in my mid-twenties (shortly before I met my amazing husband, Michael) I was incredibly entrenched in the swamp of legalism. I heard the wise-sounding lies everywhere… from many places. My life was led by fear and worry that I would never measure up to the expectations of people.
The slime of law-based, performance-oriented religion came from all sorts of directions. All kinds of well-meaning people told me what I must add to my life (and add on to the Bible) in order to become better and more pleasing to God. Looking back, I believe this environment was rooted in fear, pride, and nice people generally wanting to control the outcome of my life….
Sweet Freedom
Freedom’s sweet flavor blows within the breeze. Yet one hardly notices its power until the distinctive taste is suddenly gone.
Despite our many malefactions, idiosyncrasies, and divisive political concerns, I’m still overwhelmed with thankfulness to God for the many freedoms we enjoy as citizens of the United States of America.
Independence isn’t cheap. Freedom is never free, as the well-worn song goes. Yet taking these gifts for granted is all-too-easy for us Americans.
When we taste sweetness every day, we’re eventually inoculated to its delight. . . . .
Will You, Pretty Please?
This morning, as the sun rose over the lush green trees in our backyard, I hit stride in my typical routine: wake up, shower up, open the Word, and bring a series of requests to God. As usual, I found myself coming to the Lord with two oft-repeated agenda items:
“God will you forgive me for ____________?” (I’m still readily prone to many sinful faults and failures)
“God will you give me ______________?” (I’m continually in need of strength, direction, peace, healing, etc.) . . .
Mayfair on Mission
Our Commander was and is always on mission. God is a sending, missional God. God the Father sent His Son, and the Father and the Son sent the Spirit to empower God’s people to be sent out on mission to the ends of the earth to the praise of His grace.
God’s mission isn’t only a New Testament imperative; it has been God’s goal all along. . . .
Our Journey with Autism
Hudson gave skipping a scout’s try but quickly resorted to a wobbly side-gallop. As Michael and I watched our nine-year-old son struggle to perform a basic motor skill, the evidence began to sink in yet again. Hudson is unique. He isn’t like other average nine year olds. In some ways he surpasses the norm, but in other ways he clearly carves his own difficult trail. . . .
Come to the Table
Standing at the Table of Communion tonight… I recall that long ago, in the Garden of Eden, our forebears, Adam and Eve, lived and walked in perfect communion with God. They enjoyed beautiful fellowship with their Holy Creator in His perfect oasis.
But we walked away.