“Come now let us reason together…” -Isaiah 1:18a* The dialogue initiates open spaces in our prayers—times when we listen, in silence. Sure, as followers, we petition, set our raw hearts before God in hopes He will see, have mercy, and do. But when we engage in the dialogue, we decidedly stop all rants and open our hands …
Silence: The Invitation to Hear Heaven’s Whispers
I believe God has purposes and plans for each one of us if we can quiet our minds and listen. Although Heaven’s whispers come at unexpected times, they often grace those who learn to embrace silence. For it is in the silence that our spirit meets with God’s Spirit. Sure, I’m a technology lover to …
Continue reading "Silence: The Invitation to Hear Heaven’s Whispers"
Marco Polo: God’s Uncanny Riddles or Mere Imagination
“It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.”*Proverbs 25:2-3 Have you ever felt like finding God’s will was similar to a game of Marco Polo? Blinded by your human nature, you cry out “Marco” (what’s next Lord?). Silence. Then some unexpected message comes your way and you stumble towards the general direction of “Polo.” You wonder …
Continue reading "Marco Polo: God’s Uncanny Riddles or Mere Imagination"
Finding the Right Fit
Perhaps it is in the "believing without knowing" that pleases God. Have you ever tried on clothes that don’t fit quite right? I have. In fact, every time I shop, sleeves squish my skin and buttons pull apart. Finding the right fit frustrates me. Then there’s those surreal moments when you slip the perfect dress …
Fear Not!
Fear, the one mistake you can make. Monsters that leap out and grab you every time faith promises. “I have bad news.” The voice on the other end of the line crackles. Fear surges through my veins and digs its talons into my chest. I try to brace myself for what might follow, but to …
This is family. This is church.
In a lower-income neighborhood by the school where I teach is "The Neighborhood Impact House." A local church* provides a cozy family environment with homework help, arts and crafts, music lessons, sports activities, a community garden, and a kid-friendly bible study. Children and youth flock to this home, and I go more for the gifts of …
The Parable of the Talents
"You know," my mother's kindly eyes sparkled as she spoke, "When I was in real estate school, I learned that you need to take down your personal photos when trying to sell your home." "Really," I hummed while studying her face, waiting for what would come next. "Yes, that's right. People walk in and get distracted …
The Searching
"One can never consent to creep when one feels the impulse to soar." -Helen Keller I have noticed a distinct pattern in my life over the years. Whenever a change of direction or expansion of opportunity is in the wind, restlessness descends. If I had actual wings of flight like a giant eagle, I …
When something beautiful my way comes…
Two gardenia plants snuggle up against my home outside the window facing the patio. I can see them from where I write. Recently, the tips of their leaves turned a sickly brown and large areas of stem lost their foliage altogether. "What's wrong with these plants?" My husband muttered. "I don't know. Maybe they're getting …
JoDee Luna Art 