Unnamed and Unfinished

I know, there has been silence on my end of this blog for a few weeks.   I had some thoughts kind of percolating, but nothing that was really forming into a blog post.   Then tonight I was talking with a new friend about my trip tomorrow to see Jen Hatmaker and Nicole Nordeman at the “Mess and Moxie” event in Chicago, and it came together. In preparation for tomorrow’s visit I have been re-listening to my “For The Love” audiobook (by Jen Hatmaker).   In one of the chapters she talks about parenting and how the thing she wants most is for her kids is for them to grow up to be committed disciples and for them to love other well, like Jesus loves.   And I thought, “Me to!”   What I want most for Big and Little is for them to love Jesus fiercely and to mirror that Jesus love to others. Jen Hatmaker says, “This is why we live and breathe: for the love of Jesus, for the love of our own souls, for the love of our families and people, for the love of our...

I was that church girl.   The one who followed all the rules.   Crossed every “t” and dotted each and every “i.”   An if you didn’t, you were wrong.   That church girl, the one I was, was convinced that if you were part of a church that was NOT our non-denominational, independent, Stone-Campbell Christian church, you were part of the wrong church.   Sins were so obvious, and if you committed any of the “big ones” you needed to fear for your eternity (and of course, I never committed those “big ones”). That was me.   I hope it isn’t me now.   Life has had a way of dulling my sharp edges.   It has helped me see that there is far more grey in the world than I used to think existed, and all that black and white is slowly bleeding together. This does not mean that the me of today does not believe in absolute truth, as revealed in scripture.   This me believes that still, heart and soul, unwaveringly.   But this me also realizes th...

  Today I was in the car on my way to a provider visit for work.   I put on my favorite playlist, full of encouraging and uplifting songs that I love.   And I heard this… The sweetest sound, the highest praise, Is the letting go of this life You gave. Our greatest prayer, an act of faith, Is an open hand; Lord have Your way. Take it all - every hope, every dream, every plan. Take it all - every weight, all the shame and brokenness. Jesus, I surrender all - every victory and loss Take it all, take it all 'till all I have is open hands. And I started crying.   On the interstate.   In traffic… and the song went on…. A clenching fist, a life of fear, A burden held, has no place here Cause You call me now to cast it all On the shoulders of the one who's strong. I'm not afraid of what I lose; my greatest joy is finding You Take it all, take it all And I. Just. Couldn’t!   Maybe Laura Story could.   S...