Entries by Renee

An easier parenting solution to the try hard life

January 16, 2020 in , , , /by

I’m a fixer. When I see a problem, I go into fix mode. This quickly morphs into the try hard life, and before I can say grace, my independent spirit and self sufficiency pushes God aside. Thankfully, He’s patient and kind. Recently, we had a situation that required a family meeting. It was only after that meeting God showed us there was a better solution, a simpler way, and one that would remove the burden off our parenting shoulders and allow us to walk in freedom. Join me for today’s post where I share a story of God’s kindness as He offered to take back the burden we attempted to carry.

When the tears flow and you don’t know why, but then, you do.

January 15, 2020 in , /by

Have you ever begun to cry and you can’t explain why exactly? Maybe you see something in nature that creates awe-induced tears. Or maybe like me, you sing during worship and find tears streaming though nothing happened or even went through your head. Sometimes His glory alone is all it takes to set free the tears waiting for their release.
There’s a song I hear, and no matter where I am, I cry. Certain lines create a reaction inside me I can’t control. My heart is tender, so tender to what these words communicate. I pray I will remain this tender to these words forever. Join me for today’s post (it’s a short one) where I share a bit of my heart and my love for Jesus.

Books I’ve Read in 2019 – Part 2

December 31, 2019 in , /by

I read 30 books in 2019. Periodically, I post what I’ve read. Today is that post. All the books I’ve read in 2019. I don’t typically set reading goals, and I didn’t for 2019. However, I’m quite happy with my reading year. It was full of a variety of genres. Well, except fantasy….I just can’t. But for 2020 I am setting a goal of 100 books. I offered a fun challenge to my kids as well. Here’s to more reading and the dividends it will pay!

I’ll post on Instagram what I’m reading next so be sure to join me there as well. Join me for today’s post.

The value of both work and play – and why God told me to get back to work

December 30, 2019 in , /by

I’ve been feeling in a bit of a funk these days. Restless, discontent, lacking gratitude, desire, and proper motivation. I’ve not wanted to be either productive or fun. Just blah. I knew I couldn’t stay here too long because it only grows deeper with time. I began praying and asking God to help. It didn’t make sense. I’m on “vacation”. I’m not stressed. What was happening? God brought me the answer. He literally met me right where I was, with my nose buried in a book. He told me what the problem was and what my next step should be.

Join me for today’s post where I share a story and hopefully help you when you face a season of discontentment and restlessness.

This is real love

December 23, 2019 in , , /by

When you think of Christmas, what are the first words that come to your mind? Go ahead, list them off. I’m guessing love found its way in your list.

The human heart was created by God to need love. We thrive when we feel loved. We feel dead when love lacks. A wilted plant raises to life when nurtured and cared for just as our souls are revived when we accept and receive love.

But what is love? The Bible tells us what real love is. As I read the verse recently, the line struck me. “This is real love….”

Join me for today’s post and ready your heart to allow real love to wash over you.

I’m giving myself permission to be unbusy

December 9, 2019 in , /by

Busy doesn’t make us important. Busy steals our margin. Margin is necessary for a soul to breathe with ease, for a spirit to hear God speak, for a calendar open enough to accept a last minute invite from one who simply needs a friend to sit with.

How’s your margin these days? Are you plagued with all the “have-tos”? Do you feel guilty when you decline an invitation? Do you feel pressured to do all the things everyone else is doing? Do you wish you could slow down even for a short while?

Well, maybe you can. Seasons shift. They don’t stay forever. Join me for today’s post where I share how I began to sense God calling me back into a season of quiet.

Why starting with the end matters

November 4, 2019 in /by

I couldn’t fathom why my husband and son wanted to watch a recorded football game they’d watched intensely only the night before. I asked Andrew about it, and his answer spoke volumes to me about how I engage with my life on a day to day basis. I’ve been thinking about this for a couple of days now. Join me for the rest of today’s post on why starting with the end matters.