The travelers walked in the front door, hot and dusty after hours on dirt roads. Mom always found room at the table, one built for her by Dad, big enough to welcome at least a dozen guests. She added another vegetable, salad, bread—done! There was always enough.Then, grown up, it was my turn.I learned toContinue reading “Open Home, Open Heart”
Tag Archives: purpose
This Mystery
It’s a mystery of unity beyond my understanding: One God, three Persons, One Essence in deep harmony, working together as one to build a home in me and move in permanently!You live in us, each onea piece of your Family,each one with access tothe heart of the Father,the love of the Son,and the intimate realityofContinue reading “This Mystery”
Serve the Word!
This is our calling when we follow Jesus: we are “servants of the Word.” He is the Word! He speaks to us, through Scripture texts (the written Word) and also through his Spirit, our Counselor, our Guide.He lives inside me,makes my heart’s eyessee the highlightshe has stroked acrossthose texts so relevantto me, my life.Do IContinue reading “Serve the Word!”
Keep on Running!
Run! Run! Run! The track is long getting longer not what I expected but this is race to the finish step by step to the goal He put in place. He planned outthe path aheadprepared his runnerwith practice runsand breaks for resttime to eat be refreshedwater for thirstthen shows the pathso run! Run! Run! I’mContinue reading “Keep on Running!”
Power Paradox
When I let go take my hands off lose control then I am weak powerless to influence situations fix the problem do it my way.Then paradoxtakes over:his hands firmlyin controlhe is strongpowerfulable toaccomplishthe miracle required.And there’s a corollary:when I livewithin his graceI have his powerto use for him:the paradoxof mutuality—Christ in me. Have you comeContinue reading “Power Paradox”
Moaning in the Desert
Bleak, dry ground extending to every horizon, sun beating down—no shelter, no way to move forward but step by tired step, feet filthy, sore. No food! I just scraped the last dried scraps from my shoulder bag. My children are crying: where are we going? where is home? not here! Is there really a promisedContinue reading “Moaning in the Desert”
Rooted, Held Firm
When I choose to trust in spite of everything I shoot new rootlets into the pulsing burrowing system that anchors me in Jesus’ love. Living thereI amdrinking inhesed and agapeunendingintimateunselfishempatheticforgivingunretaliatinglove beyondmy understanding.My heart is fullmy veinsare pulsingenergy of lifeand Jesushas becomemy constantstrength and song. There is so much imagery in the Bible about plants! TheContinue reading “Rooted, Held Firm”
Caught Inside a Wider Web
Baruch sat huddled within his scrolls deep in the throes of despair. Words darkened the parchment and his soul, relentlessly marking out tragedy, punishment! The torrentof eviction, maledictionkept screaming in his mind,the prophet’s warnings and lament.But at the Thronehis pain was seen,framed by the stainof hemorrhage froma heart off-center, rubbing on the cross-grainof life goneContinue reading “Caught Inside a Wider Web”
The Seed that Grows
You make us your heifer, pulling the plow, you shape us and train us, showing us how to lean to the left when your strong hand presses, to walk straight ahead, cleaning up messes and tearing out weeds, preparing the way for planting the seed in that soil on the day when all is inContinue reading “The Seed that Grows”
My One Safe Place
When even the sunrise is muted by dust, the air polluted with smoke and red dirt, there is one safe place where I can stay, breathing in air that is healthy and clean, a place where my heart-hurts heal as I pray. Here beside you,I’m finding a wayto gradually layeach major worry,each broken hopeon theContinue reading “My One Safe Place”
Linnea's Lines 