Contemplations of a Mommy "Monk"

When I was in college, I had very little spending money to go around, so I learned early on to be frugal. I remember looking through the cereal boxes for the cheapest one and landing on Kashi (back then it was just one type of cereal, not all the yummy great stuff they have today). This saved my morning meal and then I had generic shampoos and soaps and definitely nothing fancy or special (and by that I mean, popcorn or new mascara). It really didn't matter to me at the time though because I was too busy enjoying school and friends to worry about material things. After marriage, I began to feel a little differently though. I was working full time, making enough money to enjoy a cappuccino daily in the morning and a hairstylist in an actual salon. Pretty soon, those things that had once seemed extravagant to me now seemed like necessities and just a part of my every day life. I had denied myself for a while, so it was time to make up for it with plenty of pamper...

About two years ago, I went to a writers' conference in Wheaton Illinois. It was such a blast meeting all kinds of people who also had a passion to share their love for Christ through the written word. I felt a little intimidated by those who had been through this experience before, but I found a friendly face in a young woman named Amber Robinson . A group of us stayed up late, eating chocolate in the student lounge in our dorm housing. We chatted until the morning, just like college kids, listening to each others work, giving friendly critiques and deserving encouragement. When Amber shared her passion for reaching real people with real ways to be more compassionate in a busy world , I knew she was onto something! I'm so excited to give you a little glimpse into her first book, Mercy Rising. Mercy Rising is all about how we can be agents of God's mercy in a needy world, and how to do it NOW, within the limitations you face each day. Amber shares her own challenges w...

Wow! What a terrific read! This book transported me to the boundary waters and created in me a desire to return there in person with my husband while I can (he keeps trying to convince me...). The marital strife that Cynthia Ruchti wove into the plot was also challenging for me. I like to read something that takes me on a journey (or a canoe trip!) and makes me think about important life issues. The main character, Libby, is a perfect example of a Christian living for God on the outside but withering on the inside and her personal struggles were so honest and real, it made my heart break. I loved Cynthia's writing style and I was drawn into the story immediately, hanging on for answers until the very last page. This book was full of depth, character and great suspense. It had me on the edge of my seat, alternating between tears and curiosity the whole time.

Remember the famous stories of Moses freeing the Israelite slaves from Egypt and bringing them across the Red Sea into the desert where they met with God? I’ve been thinking recently how their journey from slavery into the promised land often mirrors our own personal walk with Christ from slavery to sin into the true freedom of the Promised Land (i.e. living in the center of His will, filled with peace and joy, walking by faith, in the Spirit and conquering sin and the flesh ). Are you at a crossroads in your life? Maybe it’s a fork in the road and big life changing decisions you have to make about marriage, jobs, children, moving, etc. Maybe you have just graduated and are starting a new life on your own. As you look at the path in front of you, where does it lead? How can you be sure it will lead you to your promised land, the place of your dreams, the spiritual place of contentment? Here’s a few things I see that the Israelites did wrong that led them to a ...

I'm posting at The Internet Cafe Today .... When I was in high school, I was quite the goody-two-shoes, but as I've grown closer to God, I've begun to realize God isn't just interested in behavior, but heart motivation. I was the kind of kid who never wanted to do anything wrong for fear of "getting in trouble" or seeing the disapproval of the adults I admired and respected. I wanted to be good and I wanted others to think highly of me, so I followed the rules and did what was right. I was motivated by people pleasing , seeking the admiration of others and fearing their disapproval. But, I was also motivated by the fear of consequences. I was pretty sure if I did something wrong, I would get caught and I didn't want to face punishment, so I stayed inside the lines. I'll never forget the film we watched in health class one day about the consequences of drug abuse. Stamped forever in my mind are the images of teenagers acting out of ...

My five year old came home from church this week explaining to me all about heaven. "There's no more bad guys there and no one will be sad or scared anymore. Nobody will need a doctor anymore because we won't get sick or hurt. I can't wait to go there!" His enthusiasm for heaven had me contemplating my own longing for that day, when we will be perfect with God. I can't wait - why can't it be like that now? When I came to Christ many years ago, I imagined that all of my weaknesses would be wiped out and that my imperfections would be filled in as God fixed up my broken heart. My heart is broken in all the usual ways - unmet needs, sins that linger, impure thoughts, stumbling blocks and the like. And the truth is, He has healed me from my sinful nature and He has delivered me from the power of sin, but I still struggle with daily challenges, making mistakes time and time again and feeling a deep emptiness inside. If I could name my greatest desire, ...