"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." Psalm 23:6 

I'm often afraid that I will lose the mercy and goodness of God. Like a child holding balloons, I worry that I will let go and they will fly away.  

But God does not abandon us! He gives us blessings for our obedience, and forgiveness when we fail. Whether you are strong or weak, He holds onto you.

Paper airplanes are always an experiment. You never know how or where one will fly until you launch it.

So too in life: it is good to take small risks, because you never know where they might land.

The kite would never be able to fly without the tension of the string. Some of life’s greatest struggles are the ones that ground us. And when we accept the restraints that frustrate us, we rise and fly.

Seeds want to grow. The simple dandelion seed cannot control where the wind blows. It simply trusts that God’s sovereign hand will carry it, and wherever it lands is where it is meant to be.

Feathers belong to the birds. They did not choose to be that way; it was chosen for them. So it is with us.

I have learned over the years that the aspects of my personality that frustrate me the most were given to me for a reason. And when I accept the responsibility that comes with them, I spread my wings and fly. 

The quickest way to change the world is to change the way people think. It’s best to start with yourself.

Light does not have to be strong to bring hope. You only need enough to last the night.

It’s okay to be weak. A single tapered candle may last only a few hours, but in the dark of night, it is enough.

The kerosene lamp is made to be refilled. Pausing from giving light so that the oil can be refreshed does not diminish its value. So too with rest: It is simply part of the sustaining rhythm.

Do not despise smallness. The same match that lights a candle can also start a bonfire. Smallness is a gift; steward it well.

It takes much time to build a bonfire, but when finally lit, the results speak for themselves.

Many of the best things in life require patience. Like waiting for tea to steep, fulfillment is given slowly to those already practicing contentment.

The gentle rocking soothes the anxious body and calms the heart. When we feel safe, we can begin to heal.

The stability of the kite comes from the weight of the ribbon. Otherwise, the nose of the kite will not stay upright and it will quickly and wildly dive to the ground.

Similarly, mountains bring structure and stability to the land and streams that surround them. There is a safety that comes from building your life on that which does not move.

Cultivation is part of our original calling. To tend the earth and see it bring forth beauty and fruit. In nurturing God’s creation, we are nourished ourselves. 

One of my most painful struggles has been being the kind of person who gives, gives, gives, and doesn’t receive back in kind.

I’ve finally realized how much I need replenishment through nature; I most receive God’s love for me through His planted beauty.

Dear Child, He knows. Every midnight tear, every broken dream, and every living nightmare. His perfect redemption is coming; His goodness is bigger than this.

“Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭126:5‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Jesus weeps with us

I can’t wait to meet your baby