His Purpose, Not My Plans

For years I've told myself I have a boring testimony. There is no crazy before and after testimonial story. I was born and raised in a Christian home. Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights, Wednesday chapels at the private Christian school I attended for 10 years. I can repeat most any Bible story, pray aloud at most gatherings, and sing the books of the Bible on command. I accepted Jesus one night, in my parent's bedroom at the age of 7. There really weren't any super rebellious days where I completely turned against the Lord. Nothing dramatic. (at least I don't think so.. maybe ask my dad?) And for years, I thought to myself, my story is so boring. How could the Lord ever use me? My story isn't interesting. It isn't dramatic. It's such a typical grew up in the church story. There's nothing here anyone could relate to. Until recently. The Lord called me way out of my comfort zone and pushed me to a place of sharing my "uninteresting"...

Dear Mom, I've written this letter to you a hundred times over the last few months. I changed and edited. I added words and cut out paragraphs. I debated whether or not I should share it with the world or keep it to myself. Let's just say it was a heavily thought out blog post. But, in the end, I decided that I can't let this week go by without saying something. Something to remember you. Something to remind everyone that you lived so fully, that you loved so generously. That you were such a light in the world. So mom, this week, on Friday, will make for year number nine without you. In some ways it feels like yesterday that you left. There are memories from that day, from that week of my ten year old life that I will never forget. Trying desperately to be grown up, to talk to whoever was at our house, to be fine, to not cry. And melting down, alone, in my bathroom because I realized that no one reminded me that I needed to wash my hair that night, I suddenly ha...

Hello all. Trying something new today. Last week's KD Bible Study lesson was on Psalm 23. A pretty familiar Psalm.  I'm sure you know it. But, for just a few minutes, I'd like you to forget what you know about Psalm 23, and reread it again with me. On here. With fresh eyes.  I think you'll be glad you did. But before we read the actual Psalm, I want to ask a question. How much do you know about sheep? Other than the fact that they live on a farm? Well, let me fill you in. Sheep are known as some of the most incredibly stupid animals to exist. They depend on their farmer, their shepherd for everything. They're helpless creatures.  They're prone to wandering. They cannot do anything alone. They can’t find their sheepfold.. even when it is right in front of them. So now that you know a little more about sheep.. let's dive in to Psalm 23. Psalm 23:1-6 The  Lord   is my shepherd; I shall not wan...