Living an Abundant Life

Receiving True Soul Rest

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This type of rest is not found anywhere else although a nice nap, a vacation on the shore, or a spa appointment can be enjoyed. They do not touch the rest of the soul. True soul rest is found in yielding, not achieving. It's found in abiding in Him. The Greek meaning of rest here is anapausin, ἀνάπαυσιν, quiet, recreation, refreshment, intermission; by implication, recreation -- rest. It reminds me of another verse where if we will do something, something automatically seems to happen in the verb tenses; loosing one's life, one will find it (automatically) in literal interpretation from the verb tense of the Greek in Matthew 10:39. Continue reading →

Encouragement for Your Time Reading the Scriptures!

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I share that story to encourage you that no matter where you are on your faith journey, know that reading Scripture in whatever way speaks most to you, lectio divina, the chronological One Year Bible, listening to the animated version (I love the NLT one), memorizing Scriptures, inductive reading with study, or just reading and pondering slowly, that it is a starting point, to point to the intimacy with the Father through Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Be encouraged to read and meet God in that time, taking time to reflect and be open to what He would want to say with a journal close by to write what comes to mind so you can go return to it as a memorial stone and see His work and ways! Continue reading →

The Beauty of Authenticity – Recieving God’s Nearness

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God blesses integrity, genuine authenticity of heart, evident in action by what is done or restraining from what is not done. Real love, compassion, power, and living full of grace are found through humility and empowerment by the Holy Spirit. Anything resembling a false security and enabling spiritual pride has the ability to hinder soul nourishing intimacy with the Father. Instead, Jesus calls those who are called by His name to sincere holiness in thought, motivation, speech, and action. Some of the kindest acts are self-examining ones heart and withholding words that would fall off the tongue; exposing the heart, and severing relationships because of living contrary to the way one was called to humility. Continue reading →

An Invitation to Replace Resolutions with a Prayerful and Intentional Rule of Life

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An intentional Rule of Life may seem at odds with modern society, but creates a “structure” to living an examined life full of value, thought, sincerity, compassion, and kindness by prayerfully setting “new intentional patterns” of living, rather than resolving to accomplish resolutions. It’s all about being and becoming, rather than a living a life of self-doing. It’s about living a praying without ceasing and being still and knowing He is God kind of life. Continue reading →

The Spiritual Discipline of Prayer-Filled Mindfulness

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May this tool of the Prayer of Examen encourage you in your walk with Christ. It’s when we stop to reflect and “be” in His Presence, that we “become” all He designed. It’s then, that the abundant life promised, despite the circumstances, seem to appear before ones very eyes. It's when one lives in the intentional and purposeful margin of being and not overdoing, being led, that life also becomes full of sweet adventure and numerous "God coincidences". Continue reading →

Finding Joy in the ASD Journey, Thoughts on the Other Side of the ASD Valley of Grief

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I have personally emerged with a stronger foundation upon rising from the three and a half year journey through the "ASD Valley of Grief" and have been on the other side now for about six months. Grief being that I grieved the loss of what I thought my son should be, my own expectations, and the fact that he was born normal and had a diagnosis of encephalopathy at age two. Now, I am free to celebrate each new milestone, no matter when they may come, instead of seeing how far behind he is on that milestone! Continue reading →

Internalizing God’s Love: Fulfilling Profound Longings to Feel Valued

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May I propose a thought that no matter the answer, or the area in which it would feel strongly to be recognized, accepted, or valued, that that affirmation would be short lived or not reach to the depths of the soul? It may be like a warm blanket on a cold and drafty day, but not as the “chicken-noodle soup of the soul” that reaches the depths of the longing to feel loved, accepted, or valued. Continue reading →