Keep yourself on a leash. (At least most of the time.) image from snapphase.com
“Doing what needs to be done, when it needs to be done.”
This is perhaps the simplest definition of discipline, but it’s often not a simple thing to do. (We’re talking self control, not discipline for children.) Until recently, I considered discipline to be a “dirty” word. People who followed a routine, stuck to the basics, put one foot in front of the other, seemed, well, boring. These are the Ned Flanders of the world. Always neat and tidy, never disorganized, often cheery. And that’s the thing. The most disciplined people I know seem…happy. They may lead super busy lives, just like the rest of us, but they seem calm. They rarely lose their keys and …
Just like any other American over a certain age, I can remember exactly where I was when the “world stopped turning” on September 11th, 2001. I was a senior in high school, and just starting my day in first-period home economics class. Lessons were paused. Mouths hung open. Tears started falling. Here, tucked away in the safety of the Midwest, the impact of what had happened in New York City shook even our tiny town. I can still remember a narrow-sighted boy from my class asking in disgust, “Why are we even watching this? It’s not like it’s going to affect us.” His words cling with me. How wrong he was. Not only did it affect us, and the world, but it affects our children.
When stepping out to take my daughter to preschool this morning. …
It is crazy how many Christians are open bigots, loud and proud.
When I saw this Facebook post made by a college friend, it made my heart sink and my brain buzz. Not because it’s untrue, but because its truth reflects a seemingly insurmountable obstacle in seekers finding their way to Christ. Sometimes (many times) Christians are in the way.
But here’s the thing. Christ didn’t say “follow my followers.” He said, “Follow ME.” Again, he said, “No one comes to the Father except through ME.”
Don’t let her accessories fool you.
I know that’s hard to rationalize, especially when we apply this theory to other major decisions in our life (and choosing Christ as your savior is a major decision). Even when we apply it to trivial decisions, it’s difficult to imagine. …
You’re accepted. Completely, lovingly accepted.
To be honest, I don’t want to tell this story. I’d rather forget it ever happened, keep it hidden with the other skeletons in my closet of shame. But, there are some stories that just have to be told. I hope the beauty and deeper meaning in this message surpasses my ugly deed. I hope.
January 2010: A blizzard was descending upon Wichita, and I was anxious to leave my office to make the 45 minute drive home. I sat white-knuckled in the seat of my Honda, eyes carefully trained on the road ahead, careful to avoid and slick spots or crazy drivers (truth be told, I drive like a grandma, and inclement weather brings on a high level of paranoia). I made it to the opposite side of town, and …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCsZiFYVhqc
This song sends chills down my spine every time. I’ve often wondered where God was during dark times in my life. On this Good Friday, we remember where he was, on the cross, giving his life for us.