Morning Petition

Today, in the midst of simple tasks and mundane activities, please grant to me...


a heavenly perspective, that my eyes may see You,

a quiet heart, that my ears may hear Your Voice,

a willing spirit, that my hands may serve You,

a joy that cannot be quenched by the disappointments of life,

and a heart undeterred from Your purposes.


And when I fail, grant me repentance, gratitude for Your mercy and grace, the courage to press forward.

May Your Kingdom come on earth, and to the bit of space I occupy, as it is in heaven.

Encouraging Words

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works" (Hebrews 10:24)



Some articles I have enjoyed recently which I think would be worth your time as well:

Seeking and Finding
Thoughts from Kaysie on seeking God each day.

Loving Resistance
An article by Becca about how Jesus' love works against evil, and how He wants to work through us...powerful and challenging!

Also, the online magazine at setapartgirl.com has some wonderful articles this month.

Happy February!

On Life and Blogging

Sometimes I am afraid that those of you reading my blog will think I am trying to be super-spiritual because of the things I post. That is not my intent. I am not trying to avoid the practical side of life (though this is not a diary). Rather, I believe that all the little moments of life, which include, for me, trying to be a good teacher, washing dishes, and cleaning the house, are part of a journey. The journey is learning to know and love Jesus Christ. Life is, in a sense, a sum of these small, intensely practical moments. And though I am definitely not at all perfect or very far advanced in the journey, life, for me, is all about knowing Jesus. That is, and I pray ever will be, my goal. My blog is a collection of musings about God and the Christ-life simply because I am a Christ-follower, not because I think in lofty terms. Life on this earth is short, so it should have a great deal to do with the life hereafter. And many who share this earthly life with us do not know the Life Everlasting. So my goal actually is two-fold: to know Christ and to make Him known. That is my deepest desire in life, so naturally my blog will reflect that. Thanks for reading! And remember, I do love when you share your comments. :-)

To the Christians in Pakistan

Thank you for encouraging me…


...to take risks for Jesus.

…to see beyond the visible (including dirty dishes and impossible Science lessons).

…to share the love of Christ.

…to forgive.

…to treasure Jesus more than anything else.


I am proud to be your sister.


You can read the story of Sandul, a young Pakistani woman imprisoned for Jesus, here.

Heart's-Ease

Oh, there was never a blossom
That bloomed so blithe as she,
On the bitter land, by the salt-wet sand,
On the margin of the sea.
Where never a flower but the gorse can blow,
And the dry sea-pink that the mermen sow,
There grows she.

Oh, there was never a blossom
That bloomed so brave as she
On the narrow ledge of the mountain's edge
Where the wild fowl hardly be.
And over her head the Four Seasons go
With a rush of wings when the Storm Kings blow--
There grows she.

Oh, there was never a blossom
That bloomed as content as she,
In the heart that burned, and loved and learned
Of the Man of Galilee.
And plant her high, or plant her low,
In a bed of fire, or a field of snow,
There grows she.

--Amy Carmichael

Unshakable Confidence

“The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:5b-7

“God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
Though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.”
Psalm 46:1-3

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." John 14:27

"How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings."

A Prayer

My mind is swirling
With thoughts about life
And every idea
Slips out of my grasp
I can’t pen it down
Who am I?
And what is life?
Teach me the truth

Life is so short,
But so shockingly real
And I forget what lies beyond
Beyond the visible
Give me a bit of Your Vision
That I may feel the weight of eternity
And in every precious person
See the wonder of a soul

I wait here quietly,
Listening for Your Voice;
My heart strains to hear
The strains of holy music.
Where is my place in this symphony?
I'm listening, I'm yearning,
My heart is straining to hear
The music of Your Voice.

R.J.S.