*seeking Peace in a storm

I need to learn to pray again. Ok, so just typing that sentence kind of feels like a tiny burden has been lifted. Admitting that to the world makes it more real rather than like a little secret I've kept to myself. For a while now, I have just kept that one inside, behind a tiny black door in my heart, where only I knew about it...well, God and me. I am confident that my prayer life used to be in decent shape but these days, not so much. I send up some popcorn prayers when I hear of things happening around me, like my baby sister having tests run or the recent Oklahoma tornadoes. But I will sadly admit that getting on my knees or my face...wait...to be even more truthful, just waking up and starting the day with prayer and then ending the day with prayer, that doesn't happen like it should. I don't want to be on a strict prayer schedule. I don't want to make this about routine prayer or a checklist type thing. I need my prayer life to be my lifeline! I n

Is it weird that all I want for Mother's Day this year is a bottle of perfume (only because I have been out for probably over a year) and I want an entire afternoon with my family, cleaning the garage? :) Sounds like a lot of fun doesn't it, lol! I have always loved Mother's Day, even when I wasn't a mom yet. As a child, I loved to create a personal gift for my mom. You know the kind, a clay handprint, a painting of the sun and a rainbow, a macaroni necklace. Fun and simple, but so meaningful. As I have gotten older, I realize it isn't so much about the gifts as it is about feeling like your children really love and appreciate you. My kids are so little that I don't think they understand that yet, so I find those creative little gifts they bring home from school, daycare and children's church to be some of my greatest treasures. But as an adult, and a mom, I know what Mother's day is truly meant to be. My mom recently moved in with us for a few

"The unbridled beauty of a comeback lies first in God's grace; second, in the decision to accept that daily dose of grace; and third, in the gain of a clear perspective that keeps you steady in Jesus' palm."--Angela Naxworth, Womb Woven and Wonderfully Made comeback--A return to formerly enjoyed status or The act of making up a deficit The Free Dictionary by Farlex I am taking back my ground; Returning to my former state of joyful hope in the Lord and His Salvation and Righteousness! Not just returning, but with a new awareness and renewed spirit! He has freshly forgiven me today, saved me again and again with each breath that I breathe...each step that I take. NEW MERCY! mercy-- compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender: lenient or compassionate treatment Merriam Webster Dictionary When I speak that word, "mercy", something within me just bows down in worship and adoration. It is such a beautiful word-a beautiful picture