As I was reading in Genesis 17 this evening, one line in verse 26 stood out to me:

That very same day Abraham was circumcised, and his son Ishmael

Let me back up and give a little context.  In the end of ch 15, the Father made the covenant with Abram (who in ch 17 becomes Abraham). The beginning of ch 16, Sarai (later to become Sarah) is talking her hubby Abram into trying to MAKE a prophetic word happen, which could be a blog in itself, but if you’re a wife – you should be aware of the implications of this story.  Then at the end of ch 16, Hagar is struggling against Sarai’s leadership. Now fast forward 13 years and in ch 17 the Father reiterates His covenant, this time clearly specifying that it will occur through Sarah’s womb (she just got her new name). » more »

Recently, I’ve been spending a good deal of time contemplating authority and submission to authority. Partly because my pastor has been doing a teaching that’s touched on it a number of times (last week’s message was awesome – it’s available online if you’re interested). But as I was reading Genesis 16, something caught my eye about submission. This is the story of Sarai (later Sarah) sending her servant (Hagar) into her husband (Abram/Abraham) to bear him a child on her behalf. Hagar gets a little uppity after she becomes pregnant and Sarai complains to Abram. » more »

In honor of our tenth wedding anniversary, I thought I’d pause and share 10 things I love about my husband. These are just a few of the many thing I love about him, they are some of the many reasons I’m looking forward to the next 10 years » more »

This month I got the pleasure of celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) for the first time.  My church observed it by all going camping together for the 8 day feast (with a set up and tear down/clean up day on each end making it 10 days total).

I confess I was pretty freaked out about going on many levels (I hadn’t camped in 23 years!), but at the same time I knew He was calling me to step out and do it – so I trusted Him and stepped in faith. » more »

I was watching some videos from our church (Passion for Truth) and happened upon this clip from worship which captures a moment with Allen and I praying at the front – it was a sweet moment and it was fun it was captured » more »

I have spent the last week rereading my journals at the Lord’s direction, which start in 1987 when I was 16.  I’ve read in order up to within a few years ago (I’m still reading), and it’s been eye opening to say the least.  Amazing how differently we remember things from how they actually happened – something I’m told has to do with self-preservation.

I’m sure there will be longer blogs about my past later, but the thought I wanted to capture aligns with Romans 11:29 » more »

I’ve been chewing on a verse since yesterday that has me pondering what my actions cause.  The verse is Matthew 18:7 and I’ve bolded the part that has me thinking:

Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes! » more »

In the US, we all feel VERY entitled to our thoughts and opinions, and we too often make ourselves free to share them – whether they be good or bad. And though the constitution may support our rights to do so, let’s pause and consider if God does.

Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. (1 Corinthians 10:9) » more »

Too frequently I hear stories of what the enemy is doing in people’s lives. I know I’ve been guilty of it myself on occasion, but let me ask a question, who do you want to give praise to? Our God – YHWH, Creator of heaven and earth – the only true and living God? Or the enemy? » more »

I want to begin by saying that growing up Christmas was my favorite holiday, by far. When the Lord started talking to me about this area I was not happy about it for many reasons, but the more I learned the less I could ignore what I was finding.

What I’ve learned has been a great reminder that we have a responsibility to be in full uncompromising alignment with what the Lord says because generations will follow in our footsteps whether we are trying to be leaders or not.  Many years ago decisions were made intentionally and for reasons many of us would disagree with today, yet we follow them still today simply because it’s what we’ve been taught to do and because we’re familiar with it we see no harm in it.  Many well-intentioned individuals have innocently and unknowingly followed along this path – myself included. Let us not take our responsibilities lightly on how we proceed from here. » more »