Many a time when we hear the word self-control, we think of how we can temper ourselves or fix something within that is spiraling into chaos. We think of the worldly perspective of self-control: “Behave yourself.” “Girl, show some restraint.” “Check yourself before you wreck yourself.” Although these worldly perspectives are laced with good…
Tag: Fruit of the Spirit
Faithful Choices
I met my husband at the city center bus depot. We stood downtown amongst a handful of other college-aged students ready to work and share hope with homeless teenagers. Over the following weeks, in the midst of exhaust fumes and ministry, something began to blossom and we began dating a few months later. I remember…
Gentleness,Motherhood, and the Ways of Jesus
Since the day I became a mother, the value of gentleness has been impressed upon my heart. I have observed many mothers as they parent their children. I watch, and I learn. I knew early on that one quality I deeply desired to emulate was that of the grace of gentleness. Before I even had…
There is Some Good
We have long been told by well-meaning people that everyone has good in them, I want to believe it, but I am keenly aware that while all may be made in God’s image, that doesn’t necessarily mean we reflect His goodness. The mantra has been developed in part because it is hard to face how…
When Kindness Teaches
Author: The Transformed Teacher As a teacher, June always brings mixed emotions. Sadness creeps in as students start to hug me tight and express words of sorrow over leaving me as the end of the school year arrives. A great joy overtakes me as I ponder and reflect on all the ways students grew, especially…
Patience in the Small Things
I did not anticipate writing this week’s post. In fact, I was geared up, ready to write last week’s post on peace, and then life got tremendously busy, and time slipped away from me. For the first time in months, I missed a deadline. I’m sitting on my back deck now, writing about patience….
The Promise of Peace
I have had to stay off social media more than normal this week. There was too much needed discussion about “rape culture” and “hook up culture”. Every time I logged on I felt a weight of concern for so many women for whom I knew the threads of awareness would be a trigger. Who am…
Seeds of Joy
Earlier this year when the leaves first began to turn, my family moved for the 4th(and hopefully last) time in 2 years. As this summer approaches I am seeing life I did not work for spring up. I’ve been exploring the bounty someone else planned, invested in, and hoped for in my small corner of…
Love for the Hurt Person
Author: Sarah Clews I’ve been tempted to believe I am one of those people who will be betrayed. I feel it has tried to be the theme for my last year or so. People I thought were my friends really weren’t, and those I thought I could trust proved me wrong. I shouldn’t be surprised….
Anchored Voices 