What happens when faith leads the way

While pregnant with our second child, a request from the doctor led to blood tests for my husband and me in order to rule out a genetic disorder.  We already had a child and had undergone genetic testing in a large medical center, so I was unconcerned. 

When the test results came back trait positive for both of us, I sat stunned listening to the doctor list the chances (25%) that our child would be born with a genetic disorder. 

Throughout the remaining  five months of pregnancy, I memorized and meditated on scriptures I had written on index cards.  We prayed for health and wholeness. I had faith to believe for a healthy baby.

Ten days after our child arrived, the pediatrician called to tell me that the precious infant resting in my arms did have the genetic disorder. 

How could this be?!  I thought that my faith would prevent such a diagnosis.  My heart hurt with thoughts of what could be.  My child - now an adult - taught me, by example, how to live by faith.

What I learned over the years is that:

• my faith enabled me to have peace with God - through fun times and tough times
• faith gave me access to grace - the grace I stand in daily
• I could rejoice in hope of the glory of God - no matter the circumstance

This faith-leading lifestyle unfolded step by step - not all at once.  When I faltered in faith, grace allowed me to stand again.  Faith enabled me to hope.  

Therefore, since we have  been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2 

I continue to grow in faith - rejoicing in hope.

Join me at the Faith Barista's Jam and share a story of faith.

Breath of Freedom

In days before I understood
I held onto guilt; I  thought I should
keep myself wrapped in guilt's warm cocoon;
that's what the law taught me to do.

But, o happy day, when grace I knew!
Repentance allowed the light to breathe through
my tightly wound and bound core;
until like a butterfly, now I soar!

Join the crowd at the Faith Barista Jam.

Springing forth

The celebration of my husband's birthday occurred this week.  We paused for a lovely dinner at an historic inn.  We read that the inn was established after the civil war as a place for healing hearts of neighbors and nation.  The inn stands to this day as evidence of a measure of healing springing forth.

While walking through the gardens surrounding the inn, evidence of a new season was springing forth wherever our eyes landed.

 The winding river mirrored our decades of marriage - flowing into something much bigger than our individual lives.

The gnarled tree trunk, we observed, was a reminder of the way our lives  have grown intertwined over the years - a three cord strand not easily broken, by God's grace.

The light of this lantern is reminiscent of the Light of Life who guides our paths, enlightens our minds, and ignites love within our relationship.

Another year of life springs forth!

The Fast Chose Me

As I approached the season of Lent, thoughts about fasting swirled in my head. The prevailing thought that emerged was to use the weeks of Lent to focus on my "ways." My "ways" would adjust as I focused on taking off and putting on a variety of attitudes and beliefs that bubble to the surface throughout my days.

During the first week of Lent, I have seen aspects of my heart that remind me of my need for the Savior. I cannot take off and put on without Grace. Thank you, Lord, for abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness that enable me to live a life that is pleasing to you.

The fast chose me. I yield.

The fast that chose me...

Snow Down

Well, they said it would come and it is coming.

The snow is plentiful; the snow is beautiful;

The snow - massive amounts of snow - is a reminder for me to  snow slow down.
 

I have needed lots of reminders to slow down as the:

• work days lengthen
• relationships with youth grow deeper
• flames of love with my husband are kindled
• mama heart cries out to God on behalf of the young adults
• daughter love shows up with soups for nourishing heart and body
• friendships long for tending
• the harvest is plentiful

The Lord provided words of life this week - words that stopped me in my hurried life.  I sit in the place by you, Lord.  I see you in all your goodness, grace and glory.  In the midst of it all, you remain. Thank you for your glorious, grace-filled presence.