Character costs

I don’t believe God wastes anything. He knows that even the most painful, bewildering circumstances can produce a life of beauty and grace if we allow them to be molded by his creative hands. What matters to him is not so much the circumstance itself but what He intends to do with it.

These past 2 months He pulled me away from this beloved writing space to use my time differently. Baby squishes, remodeling projects, story times with tiny friends, and quantitive discerning prayer.

No time has been wasted!

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this joy

So there was much joy in that city.

Acts 8:8

Lord, there are so many things in this life that can cause exceeding joy!

Health, stability, close friends, reconciliation, new believers, love. All of these things are wonderful in Your precious name.

Only You can provide joy that is long-lasting and meaningful. If I am only confident in things on the surface, I’ll never truly access what You provide – joy in my salvation.

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stored up in a bottle

*Today’s post comes from a beautiful reflection in the Be Still Devotional written by Lisa Brenninkmeyer. You can continue to follow along with these daily devotions on the Hallow app or by purchasing a copy of Lisa’s book through her organization Walking With Purpose.

“Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under.”

Matthew 2:16

Herod had paid attention to prophecies of Jesus’ birth, but instead of responding with worship, he felt threatened by this Jewish king. When the wise men didn’t tell him who or where the baby was, Herod had all the male children in Bethlehem and in that region age two years old and under murdered.

The Catholic Church remembers the loss of these precious children on December 28, the Feast Day of the Holy Innocents.

It’s a horrific scene to imagine, and something we might want to turn away from. Focusing on the massacre of babies, most especially during this time of year, is the opposite of bringing Christmas cheer.

But the Church insist that we not look away.

Continue reading “stored up in a bottle”