His Wings, My Refuge
For some reason, I have had a picture on my mind, one that I drew years ago for my kids when they were all “in the nest”. I dug it up from a journal and want to share it today in hopes that it is a blessing to you. The verse that goes with this picture is Matthew 23:37: Jesus…
Living vs. Stagnant
While I was walking the country roads the other day with my friend, I spotted a stagnant pool of water. It had just rained heavily the day before so a flowing stream was actively moving right alongside of this mirky pool. Because I am a visual learner, I love to picture Scripture. Jesus tells us: He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, “From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’ (John 7:37) Ahh, did you catch the…
The Long Awaited Suddenly
When thinking of the age-old Christmas story, one of the most familiar portions of Scripture is when the angel greets the shepherds in the darkness of the night. This passage is read so repeatedly each year that the event becomes a common scene in our minds. But goodness, how uncommon this real-life event must have been! First, one angel, then,…
Christmas Wreath of Hope
My friend and interior decorator Madelaine Singleton and I just got back from Mississippi and Florida where we presented the Christmas Wreath of Hope to a few local groups. Through Scripture, I told the purposeful meaning behind each decorative element that Madelaine used in her wreath demonstration. It was a pleasure to share this symbolic message. As we journeyed along…
Marathon Moments
My sister Peggy Lively and I just completed our 16th marathon in our 16th state. We have high hopes of completing one in all 50 states. We are often asked, “Why in the world are y’all doing this crazy thing?”. Honestly, we just fell into it. Maybe I shouldn’t use the word “fall” when talking about marathons. But truly, we’ve…
Come to Me… and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
In naming this new blog-site, friends have asked, “Why this title? Don’t you think it might be a little difficult to find?” I fully realize “respite” is not a common word, nor an easy one to spell. However, the Lord laid this name, “Respite for the Weary,” on my heart long before I knew I would have a blog-site (or…
Face Planting
Recently, I read two passages of Scripture that had the same idea in it, yet their meaning was completely opposite. The first phrase is found in I Samuel 16:49 which speaks of David killing the giant Goliath: And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead.…
Rest: the Craving of our Souls
I wanted to let you know that Soul Sisters, a women’s devotional group that I co-lead, now has a website. Our heart’s desire is to encourage women in God’s word each day, as well as to pray for one another. If you’re looking for a daily lift in His word (M-F), check outwww.SoulSistersMinistry.com. Here is a sample devotional: Free to…
Consider the Daylily
Many years ago, I bought some daylily bulbs from a friend of a dear friend. I picked a special place in my backyard near a stone wall to plant them; and then, I waited. The first bloom was a huge celebratory moment for me (I do NOT have a green thumb in the least, so anything that grows in my…
Now and Then
I recently had some recurring thoughts that made me look for a post I wrote many years ago… Every now and then, I think about the now…and then. The other morning the thought about the present-day and the unseen-future came to mind when I stepped outside with puppy-Juliet for her “morning duty.” Most of our outings together at this wee-morning…
