Still Here

I’ve missed you.

I briefly considered moving this blog to another platform, such as Substack or Medium, but I couldn’t quite get the technical details sorted out. So for now, I’m still here. 

Monday was my birthday, and what a year it has been.

We’re mostly settled into our new state of Georgia, and life feels more contented here. It’s not really about the state itself; it’s about proximity. Being closer to family and friends. Finding my people. That makes all the difference.

Surrender, Connection, and the Gift of Learning

It’s a peaceful Sunday morning. Raindrops are gently falling; not torrential, just enough to cool the air. I step outside my front door and take in the view: grass as green and lush as a carpet, shrubbery shaped like small balls, full of promise and growth. If peace had a form, I imagine it would look like this.

No swirling thoughts in my mind, just the quiet joy of basking in God’s creation. Surrounded. Surrendered. Humbled. Grateful.

Holy Week Reflections

This post may be all over the place, but bear with me. This time of year holds immense significance for me as a Christian and an ordinary individual. Both of these things coincide with the timing behind my book.

Sunday, Palm Sunday, marks the beginning of Holy Week. Holy Week culminates with Jesus' resurrection on the following Sunday, what we call Easter Sunday. The events that happened this week are the bedrock of the Christian faith. Sometimes, traditions can wear thin when you've been part of a tradition for a while. You participate in the celebrations, but the reasons aren't always at the top of your mind. Sadly, there have been some Easters where I only focused on my outfit, what the children would wear, or the dinner menu. But this year, my spiritual purpose has reawakened. There's a more profound desire to express praise because of what happened that first week.

Reflections from the Book of Judges

Christians are hung up on perfection. There I've said it. We like perfect churches with perfect people. We cater to the perfect. The safe space is really a perfect place. It's not for the flawed, broken or hurt among us. The imperfect are relegated to some place else, though we're not sure where that is, since what Christianity offers was supposed to be that place. Perfection is reflected in our cultural norms - a certain look, a certain type, a certain way to be. So we're conflummoxed, befuddled, unraveled when we read the stories that are found in Judges.

God wasn't hung up on perfect but we are. He used the ordinary, the fearful, and the marginalized all to accomplish his plans and purpose. In fact, all of these flaws were found within his chosen people - the Israelites. Clearly, chosen does not mean safe or perfect.

We see in this book the cycle that is so common to us who are also chosen - sin, repentance, deliverance, and obedience.

We see that replacing God with anything else has dire consequences.

We see that if you're willing, God can use whatever you have in your hand.

We see that God's justice is not like man's justice; we see that the wages of sin is death.

We also see that through death comes redemption. Samson’s death saves Israel from Philistine persecution, and Sisera’s death at Jael’s hands was a poignant symbol of Israel’s victory to be celebrated in song.

We see that God can empower a small group to squash an enemy.

We see the consequences of being self-centered and doing right in our own eyes which mimic the current state of affairs in our world.

We see that when you're chosen by God, you're not alone

We see that your personality can be subjected to your character; that your character determines your heart and God cares about your heart. 

We see that when you have a relationship with God, it's easy to discern his voice. Your ears are attuned to his voice.

We see that to be a hero of the faith simply requires total reliance and obedience to God and a willingness to follow.

We see that you can test God.

We see that God is very patient. Over and over he demonstrated his love for his chosen people though he was often angry at their chosen actions.

We see that no one is immune from bad behavior when they're not following God.

We see that the actions from one generation do affect the next, but God can always turn things around.

The next time you're down on yourself or are beating yourself up for something that you did, read the book of Judges. Sometimes we think we're unforgivable - but the stories in Judges highlight that nothing we can do will take God by surprise and though he may be angry at our actions he still has a heart for us. And who knows how he will use you and your flaws to influence the kingdom? Surprisingly, I was very encouraged and humbled by what I learned from this book; by how God used some of these macabre times in history to discipline and restore his people and that if he can do it for them, he can certainly work in my life. We as Christians should do as God did and embrace the imperfect among us.

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Do you see yourself as imperfect yet capable of being used by God? What will you allow God to do through you?

--Nylse

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The Proverbs Challenge Reflections

One of the reasons I did the Proverbs Challenge was because I’d never seen it done in the blog world. In the blog world, there are all sorts of challenges – no makeup for 7 days, a different hairstyle every day, eating with no sugar, reading a book a month, body toning exercises, etc. – so I thought, why not a daily Bible reading challenge?

A challenge on its face seems hard, but by its very nature is also doable. It’s called a challenge because it requires some discipline and thought on the individual’s part – it won’t happen by itself. The definition of challenge is a test of one's abilities or resources in a demanding but stimulating undertaking. At the end of a challenge, there’s the satisfaction of completion (this may be the only reward), but there’s also knowledge gained about yourself or the process, and a feeling of accomplishment.

Here’s what I gained from doing the Proverbs Challenge:

·        God’s word has our best interests at heart; we fight it because we think we know better, but when you get right down to it if we choose to live the way outlined in the Bible, we’d be better for it, happier and wiser.

·        The Bible guides all the interactions in my life. We saw practical application for dealing with all of our relationships, our vices, our mindsets, and so much more. There is no situation that is outside of the purview of God’s word.

·        Humility before honor – it seems like we all want to be lauded, without putting in the hard work. No one wants to submit to authority, rules, and principles. Everyone wants to do it their way. Surprisingly it is those that are truly humble that are exalted. It is counter to worldly wisdom but it works.

·        Now that I’ve done it, I can encourage others to attempt it. Oftentimes, we are able to help another down the same path because we have gone that way before. This works for trials and successes – we can encourage and help each other. We can bear each other’s burdens.

·        It provided focus – This challenge provided something to look forward to on a daily basis. As a result, my time with God each day became special.

·        God is faithful – He always comes through. I never knew what I would write until I actually started typing. I typically pray before I read, asking God to make his word clear to me; to keep it in my memory; and for opportunities throughout the day to use what I’ve read. Every day He came through for me.

·        It gave me a new thirst for God’s Word – The Bible is an amazing book. I may have read it a thousand times, but each time it’s as if I’m reading something new. It’s because I’m not the same person I was in the past, combined with the fact that God’s Word is powerful and contains everything we need. God’s Word will always edify.

·        Use the gifts that you are given – I’ve always loved reading and writing and this challenge was another way to do both.

·        Gaining a heavenly perspective – this challenge refined my focus by allowing me to look at things through my father’s eyes. Have you ever heard this song?

·        Wisdom is available – all you have to do is ask for it and it’s available in boundless supply. As Proverbs wisely states, wisdom is the principal thing therefore with all thy getting, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7

·        Women are special and have more influence than we are aware of. As a wife, we are a good thing. We can be odious, and contemptible and drive those we live with far from us, or we can be virtuous and wise and reap priceless rewards. This theme was repeated often throughout the book of Proverbs.

Did you participate in this challenge? How did this challenge help you?

Father's Day Reflections

Source

I'm grateful to my father - for he was the first reflection of what I thought a father should be. As an adult, I've had conversations with my father about parenthood. His love was unwavering, but looking back there are always things one can do differently, as he has said.
Be that as it may, I have a distinct memory of my dad and I going to McDonald's together during the 84 Olympics. I was 18 at the time, and I'm not sure what prompted the occasion. What I do remember is us being at McDonald's together, sitting, talking and laughing. They had these tear-off games on the fries where you could win additional prizes. My dad was smiling and encouraging me to play. I think I won another order of fries, which we shared.  This memory is in direct contrast to my years growing up with my dad, because he was the disciplinarian, and as a child I could not appreciate this role. I actually did not know what to think of him, but that day at McDonald's made me realize that he was all right. It probably was one of the only times that we have done something like that. Still makes me smile when I think about it.

Memories make an impression. I couldn't articulate to anyone what I was looking for when I found my husband but I am certain he had to possess certain qualities that I had seen reflected all my life. Qualities like:

• A strong faith in God
• Quiet yet outspoken
• Wise
• An appreciation for life

I found these and more in my husband and today I am glad for the father he is and has been to our children. I am so grateful that they see strong quiet leadership at home. That they see someone who always tries to walk out what they preach. Someone who is silly. Someone who is sensitive. Someone who has shown my children what it means to be a father and a husband.

When I read the Bible I see many imperfect fathers. I also see where God intervenes. Fathers aren't called to be perfect but they are called to be responsible for their offspring...and as my father would say, "to raise them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 1 Corinthians 6:13The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.; Psalms 103:13

He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge. Proverbs 14:26

Thank you Father.

Reflections on The Proverbs Challenge

One of the reasons I did the Proverbs Challenge was because I’d never seen it done in the blog world. In the blog world, there are all sorts of challenges – no makeup for 7 days, a different hairstyle every day, eating with no sugar, reading a book a month, body toning exercises, etc. – so I thought, why not a daily Bible reading challenge?

A challenge on its face seems hard, but by its very nature is also doable. It’s called a challenge because it requires some discipline and thought on the individual’s part – it won’t happen by itself. The definition of challenge is a test of one's abilities or resources in a demanding but stimulating undertaking. At the end of a challenge, there’s the satisfaction of completion (this may be the only reward), but there’s also knowledge gained about yourself or the process, and a feeling of accomplishment.

Here’s what I gained from doing the Proverbs Challenge:

• God’s word has our best interests at heart; we fight it because we think we know better, but when you get right down to it if we choose to live the way outlined in the Bible, we’d be better for it.

• The Bible guides all the interactions in my life.

• Humility before honor – seems like we all want to be lauded, but no one wants to put in the hard work; no one wants to submit (to authority, rules, and principles). Everyone wants to do it their way.

• Now that I’ve done it, I can encourage others to attempt it.

• It provided focus – something to look forward to on a daily basis. My time with God each day became special.

• God is faithful – He always comes through. I never knew what I would write until I actually started typing. I typically pray before I read, asking God to make his word clear to me; to keep it in my memory; and for opportunities throughout the day to use what I’ve read. Every day He came through for me.

• Nothing in our lives is too big or too small for God – we saw that in Proverbs.

• It gave me a new thirst for God’s Word ; now I’m thinking of what next and how do I share it with you?

• Use the gifts that you are given – I’ve always loved reading and writing and this challenge was another way to do both.

• Looking at things through my father’s eyes. Have you ever heard that song? This challenge refined my perspective.

• Wisdom is available – all you have to do is ask for it and it’s available in boundless supply.

• Women - we are special and have more influence than we are aware of. As a wife, we are a good thing. We can be odious, and contemptible and drive those we live with far from us or we can be virtuous and wise and reap priceless rewards. This theme was repeated often throughout the book of Proverbs.

I appreciated all your comments and all your visits during this challenge. I’d love to hear your thoughts now that you’ve completed the challenge.

How did this challenge help you?