The Illusion of Control

Several weeks ago I was frustrated. 

It seemed that no matter how much I got accomplished in a day it didn’t make a dent in all the things I didn’t get done. There were the usual everyday chores, errands that had to be run, home repairs that needed to be scheduled, all the holiday preparation, work, meals…you get the idea. And then someone would ask, “Hey, weren’t you going to _____?” It didn’t matter what it was because it was most likely on the list I hadn’t gotten to yet.

For a few days, I kept wondering why I couldn’t get more done in a day and I had to remind myself that I was doing the best I could. And that was enough. The demands I was putting on myself and letting others put on me were taking their toll.

I decided that if I’d done what I could to the best of my ability that day, then that day was a success.

And, if I decided something could wait so I could take a breather and some time to myself, then that day was not a failure, but also a success—because slowing down can be hard.

All of my running around was getting me nowhere and I had to take a step back to see that. Sometimes the pressures of the day-to-day make me lose sight of what's really important…

What was God was asking of me?

Please join me at Candidly Christian where we're talking about the illusion of control and the choices we can make as we start 2020.

In Christ,

Laura

[Photo credit: Candidly Christian]

Linking up with: #FaithonFire and Grace & Truth

Collected Tears

“I know He’s there, I know He hears us, and He’s collecting our tears…and sometimes that has to be enough.”

I wrote this in an email to a friend a couple of weeks ago, after a particularly difficult evening. Although I didn’t look through Scripture at the time, I specifically remembered a verse that says God collects our tears.

Since that evening, I’ve been thinking about it and rereading the verse.

You keep track of all my sorrows.

You have collected all my tears in your bottle.

You have recorded each one in your book.

Psalm 56:8 NLT

If I’m honest, part of me kept thinking, So? What good does that do? But, as I’ve been pondering the verse, I realize now that there’s a deeper, richer meaning.

I started thinking of a friend who listens to another’s heartache. Without interrupting or trying to fix it, she just listens and validates the feelings being expressed.

She lets her friend cry without judgement or condemnation. There’s no shaming for how she feels because emotions are real, even if someone else can’t fully understand them.

This friend provides comfort and compassion. She offers strength and encouragement. She prays with her, and for her. She encourages her friend to keep moving forward, despite everything threatening to hold her back.

This is an amazing friend…but God is so much more.

God listens to our heartache. He gives us His full attention and is not distracted by multiple things going on, or other things on His to-do list. {Tweet this}

He lets us cry and fall asleep from fatigue, then encourages us to get back up and keep trying.

Although He can fix it, He often doesn’t because He knows that what we have to walk through will lead us to places we never imagined we could go.

He doesn’t judge or condemn, even when He shows us where we need to change our actions or way of thinking.

He keeps track of our sorrows with love and compassion, but He does not keep record of our sins—also out of love and compassion.

There is no shaming for how we feel, because He knows our emotions are real. He created us to feel, and knows some of His children feel deeper than others. He collects our tears, knowing and understanding what caused them. {Tweet this}

God stays close with comfort and support, while giving strength and encouragement. He knows when it’s time to rest, when it’s time to persevere, and when it’s time to move forward.

He sees everything threatening to hold us back, but knows the future He has planned for us…and knows that one day, all tears will be dried.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.

Revelation 21:4 NLT

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with: Five Minute Friday, #DreamTogether, Moments of Hope, Purposeful Faith, #glimpsesofHisbeauty, #TellHisStory, Coffee for Your Heart, Recharge Wednesday, Writer Wednesday, Chasing Community, Porch Stories, Faith on Fire, Grace Moments, Faith 'n Friends, #FreshMarketFriday, Grace & Truth

Called to Rest

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Exodus 33:14 NIV

Words have been slow here lately. I have plenty filling my journal pages…but words to share with you? Not so much.

I’ve been feeling for a while that perhaps God is calling me into a season of rest, although it’s taken me time to accept it. I question first if I’m just tired (which I am) or being lazy (it’s possible), but really, I’m worn out. From everything.

Emotional and mental fatigue takes its toll, bringing with it physical fatigue. And as you probably know, it’s hard to fight all three at once. So, I’ve stopped pushing back and I’m trying to rest as I feel God encouraging me to do.

Maybe you find yourself in the same place. Today I’m sharing a few things I’ve been doing to encourage myself during this time of rest.

4 Things We Can Do as We’re Called to Rest {Tweet this}

Spend time with God.

Start the day with Scripture—even if it’s just one verse. God knows what we need for the moment, and often, that one verse has stayed with me throughout the day.

Choose a daily devotional book to read with your morning coffee. It doesn’t have to be an in-depth Bible study, especially if you’re feeling too tired to think. But, a few minutes spent alone with God does wonders. In fact, it may be those few minutes that get you through the rest of the day.

I’ve started reading Coffee for Your Heart by Holley Gerth (previously published as God’s Heart for You.) If you’ve read any of Holley’s books, you know the soothing encouragement her words offer. Coffee for Your Heart reminds us of how God sees us, in 40 easy-to-read devotions, with prayer and personal reflection.

I’m also reading Soul H2O: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women by Sherry Stahl. I love the title—because it reminds me of how dehydrated I feel, and it’s also easy to read, with prayer and personal reflection.

Accept it.

Take advantage of the rest God is guiding you to. If He’s encouraging it, He knows we need it. (Usually long before we realize it ourselves.) {Tweet this}

Give yourself permission to do what you have to do and let the rest slide for a while. That means prioritizing the to-do list, and adding to it time for yourself.

Be present in the moment. Stressing about what you think you should be doing and/or worrying about tomorrow defeats the purpose of resting today. (Which, for me, leads to more stress.)

Do something you enjoy.

I’ve been reading more Christian fiction and mysteries this year. It’s the best way to get my mind to relax, and diving into a story I don’t have to think too much about is a nice escape from what’s going on around me.

Other mental getaways: take a walk, journal, listen to Christian music, bake, visit with friends…you get the idea. Find something you enjoy doing and give yourself permission to spend your time there. {Tweet this}

Get offline.

When I’m already exhausted, the online world can be too much for me. Whether it’s the news or anything on social media, the more I let in, the more it’s able to affect me in negative ways.

It’s also harder to not compare my life to the perfect-looking pictures I see on Facebook. So, before it draws me in, I have to limit my time there.

Less time spent online also makes it easier to be present in the moment. No matter how enjoyable my day is, comparison can ruin it within seconds. I have to remind myself that one picture doesn’t tell someone else’s whole story.

Rest—peace of mind or spirit, freedom from activity or labor, to take relief or respite.

Rest isn’t just physical, it’s also emotional and mental. It’s a necessary part of feeling rejuvenated and renewed. Feeling rested comes from letting our bodies and minds relax, as often as we need and for as long as it takes, regardless of all life throws at us. (I’m still working this.)

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28 NLT

What would you add to this list?

In Christ,

Laura

[Photo credit: FreeImages.com]

Linking up with: Coffee for Your Heart, #HeartEncouragement, #ChasingCommunity, Purposeful Faith, #TellHisStory, Writer Wednesday, Porch Stories, #FreshMarketFriday, #FaithonFire, Faith 'n Friends, Grace & Truth, Moments of Hope, #DreamTogether

Dwell Here with Me

I’m joining the Five Minute Friday community with Kate Motaung this weekend…5 minutes, no rewriting, and a one word prompt…

Dwell

Dear Child,

Come. Dwell here with me.

You can stay as long as you like, which I hope will be forever.

You don't have to explain why you're here or what's troubling you. I already know. But I'm here with you, and no one listens or understands better than I do. So, talk to Me when you are ready.

Rest here with Me. Let Me strengthen you and give you peace—peace you won't find anywhere or in anything else.

Love,

Jesus

  

Photo credit: FreeImages.com

Linking up with Five Minute Friday, Weekend Whispers, Sharing His Beauty

I Am Undone - A Conversation with God

Me: God? Are You here?

God: I AM.

Me: I feel completely undone.

God: I know.

Me: I been trying so hard, but it doesn't seem to matter.

God: What you do does matter.

Me: But no one notices.

God: I notice.

Me: It feels like everything is falling apart.

God: You don't have to try so hard. You won't be able to be everything for everyone.

Me: I don't know when to keep trying and when to let go.

God: Right now, you need to let go. It's true—you are coming apart under the weight you've been carrying.

Me: What happens now? I'm always so tired.

God: Rest and lean into Me. In time, I will renew you, and your energy. You will emerge stronger...spiritually and emotionally.

Me: What about everything I've been trying to take care of?

God: I've got it. I will bring good from this...I promise.

Me: (whispering) Thank you, Lord.

God: Rest now. You are in My shelter.

Lord, thank You for bringing us into Your shelter whenever we need it. And especially when You know we need it. Thank You for picking up the pieces when we become undone under the weight and pressures of living in this world. 

Please continue to draw us to You, reminding us that we can't be everything to everyone. May our dependence on ourselves never become more important to us than our dependence on You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

If you feel yourself coming undone in your daily life, lean into the Lord. Let Him shelter and renew you...in His way and His time.

In Christ,

Laura  

Photo credit: K. Rath 2014

Linking up with #TellHisStory, #RaRaLinkup, Mondays @ Soul Survival, Give Me Grace, Testimony Tuesday, Playdates with God, #SmallWonder, Everyday Jesus, Thought Provoking Thursday, Blessing Counters, Grace & Truth, The Weekend Brew, Faith 'N Friends

When One More Thing Might Push You Over the Edge

I haven't been online much lately. Last month I found myself worn out, weary, and very tired. I kept trying to push forward, but that only added to the exhaustion. So, I did something I don’t usually do…I took a step back, I asked for help, and I let some things go. 

As we’re in one of the busiest times of the year—between Thanksgiving and Christmas—I wonder if you might be in the same place…tired, weary, worn out, and still trying to push forward. If you are, I understand.

It often feels as though the load rests solely on our shoulders, and in truth, sometimes it does. We look around at everything going on and it all has to be done, right? We keep adding one more thing, until that one more thing becomes the One. More. Thing. that just might push us over the edge.

Please join me at 5 Minutes for Faith where I'm talking about those One. More. Things. And the rest Jesus invites us to. 

In Christ,

Laura 

Linking up with Everyday Jesus, Faith Filled Friday, The Weekend Brew

Rest Is Not Nothing

I'm sitting on the deck this morning, staring out over open land...in the country, visiting family. It's not too hot yet and it's peaceful.

Really peaceful.

So much so that I'm reluctant to go in and get ready for the day, because later it will be sticky again. The sauna-like weather that keeps you inside or takes you to the pool.

I'm not much of a pool person. So, when the others head out, I'll find something else to do...like write or read the book I started. Maybe I'll take a nap, or spend some time with God.

I'm not used to not having to be somewhere, do something, or research and study our new way of life. This would usually make me antsy and uncomfortable.

And it might in a few days, but not yet.

Right now I'm content to sit and write this post...about nothing.

But maybe it's not about nothing—because needing to rest is not nothing.

Jesus rested. And He didn't feel guilty about it.

Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. Mark 6:31 NLT (bold mine)

God made us with the need to rest. Jesus knew that. He taught it. He practiced it.

But we tend to forget or ignore it...or think it wasn't meant for us.

But it is meant for us—this need to rest.

For you and for me.

And when you put off rest too long, you find yourself like me, in a chair looking out over open land...not wanting to start the day.

Even if others are waiting on you.

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with #TellHisStory, Sharing His Beauty, Winsome Wednesday, Everyday Jesus, Thought Provoking Thursday, Coffee for Your Heart

One-on-One With God

The Lord is with you when you are with him.

If you seek him, he will be found by you….

2 Chronicles 15:2 NIV

Join me over at Gloria Dei where I'm talking about spending time with God.

In Christ,
Laura

Photo credit: Stock photo: Empty Bench

Linking up with Still Saturday and Jumping Tandem - The Sunday Community

Emotional Meltdowns

I’m over at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church today, where we’re talking about the Land Between. 

Walking through grief, whether it’s grief from a life change or from dreams never realized, takes an emotional toll on us. We have complaints and questions for God, and over time, we end up in an emotional breakdown. 

The good news is, God invites us to bring all of it to Him.

The Land Between…life has been interrupted. What was normal is gone, and the future is unclear. Even in our grief, we must adjust to a time of transition and uncertainty.

We grieve over death, but we also experience sorrow and regret when there is a loss of a relationship (breakup or divorce), an unwanted change in lifestyle (loss of finances or home), or a change in family structure (child grows up and moves away).

Even when we know the change is coming, we grieve for the past. But there can also be regret over what might never be.

We may feel sadness or anger when what we hoped for in life doesn’t appear to be in God’s plans, and our dreams go unfulfilled…especially if we thought the dream was God’s plan.

Frustrated, discouraged, maybe even feeling lost in life, we have complaints and questions for God.

God, I thought this was Your plan for my life. Now what?!?

Really, God? One more thing?!? I can’t take any it more!

I’m barely staying afloat here, God. Where are You?!?

I miss ______. Why did You have to take ______ (him/her/it) away?

After a while, we are emotionally drained with nothing left to give.

Emotional meltdowns are not new to God….

Continue reading…

I hope you’ll follow me over to the Gloria Dei blog to read my post in its entirety.

When have you experienced an emotional meltdown, and were you able to honestly share it with God?

In Christ,

Laura   

Linking up with The Weekend Brew, Faith Filled Friday, and Hear It on Sunday, Use It on Monday

Waiting…for the Next Thing

I’m thrilled to be joining my friend, Jen, on her blog, Finding Heaven, today. Last month, Jen said she was thinking about time…how we use (or misuse) the time we are given. From there, a series was born—Reflections on Time: A New Series.

Will you join me at Finding Heaven, where I’m guest posting today? Here’s the beginning of what you’ll find…

Sleep when the baby sleeps.

That was the advice given to me when my daughter was an infant.

It made sense, and I could do that at night time. But during naps? I didn’t do so well with the advice then.

I looked forward to nap time, but then I was antsy. I thought she would wake up any minute, so I couldn’t relax. And, I felt like I should spend the time doing something, like laundry or cleaning, or something of that nature. So, I went from thing to thing, without accomplishing much of anything.

And when nap time was over, my daughter was well rested…and I was tired.

I didn’t think of resting as doing something, and I wasted the precious quiet time I was given.

I’ve been thinking about this again because I wonder if I’ve changed much.

Continue reading…

I hope you’ll join me at Finding Heaven, and would you leave a comment? Jen and I would love to know you stopped by.

In Christ,

Laura 

Linking up with Winsome Wednesday, WholeHearted Wednesday, and Faith Filled Friday.

A Strong Refuge {Nahum 1:7}

The Lord is good...a strong refuge and a hiding place.

He is close to us.

He cares.

He protects.

He is good.

In Christ,
Laura 

Linking up with Spiritual Sundays, Still Saturday, and Jumping Tandem - The Sunday Community

Spiritual Deficiency

Welcome! I’m over at 5 Minutes for Faith today talking about deficiencies that take a toll on us.

*Low energy and fatigue

*Symptoms of depression and mood swings

*Sleep irregularities

*Lowered immunity

These symptoms can be indicative of a vitamin deficiency…or a spiritual deficiency.

While vitamin deficiencies are easy to correct with supplements, a spiritual deficiency can’t be tackled with a liquid or pill. It takes time with our Great Physician.

Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.”

Mark 6:31

I hope you’ll join me at 5 Minutes for Faith today to read my post.

What symptoms do you experience when you’re feeling spiritually depleted?

In Christ,
Laura

Giving Yourself Permission

God-sized Dream = A desire in your heart for more of what God has for you.

This week, Holley Gerth’s God-sized dream team is taking some time to play. To do something energizing…something enjoyable…whatever that might be.

Have you ever felt like you needed permission to do that? To let go of all that’s waiting to be done, and just enjoy something?

I don’t know if it’s a mom-thing, or a female-thing…or maybe both, in which case, it’s a double-whammy…but I need permission. Not from someone else—but from myself.

Last weekend, I gave myself permission to fully embrace my weekend at the Jumping Tandem Retreat in Ashland, Nebraska.

Permission to not worry about my family at home. (Okay, I’ll admit I needed some reminders on this one.)

Permission to relax and let everything else go.

Permission to stop making the mental task-lists, and let God pour into me.

And He did. In unbelievable and indescribable ways. Ways I don’t ever want to forget.

I gave myself permission to let go of myself and let Him be.

And maybe that’s it right there…I let go of myself.

Why is that so hard?

Maybe because as moms, we’re often the glue holding it all together. And when the glue goes away for the weekend, the logical conclusion is everything will fall apart.

But nothing fell apart last weekend. And I couldn’t be happier.

Because there is stronger glue than me—and He never fails.

God keeps me together and fills me with what I need.

And sometimes, it’s okay to let everything wait for a while…to rest and be reenergized in Him.

To let God be Who He is and believe Him when He says, “I’ve got this.”

Be still, and know that I am God.

Psalm 46:10

Do you need to give yourself permission today? Don’t worry, God’s got this.

In Christ,

Laura 

Linking up with Holley Gerth, Jennifer at #TellHisStory, WholeHeartedHome, Winsome Wednesday, Faith Filled Friday, and The Weekend Brew.

Come and Talk With Me {Psalm 27:8}

My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”

And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”

Psalm 27:8 NLT

In Christ,

Laura 

Linking up with Jumping Tandem - The Sunday Community and The Weekend Brew

Equipped Through Scripture

Welcome! If you’re reading Finally Free by Kim Tabor with us, we are in Chapter 4 “Empowerment…Becoming All God Intends Us To Be.”

My post is a little different today. There are certain things I need to remind myself of on a regular basis. So, I’m writing to myself and finding Scripture to cling to.

God works in wonderful ways…maybe this will bless you, as well.

It’s not about me. It’s about Him.

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:13

It’s not about what I can do. It’s about what He will do through me.

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. Psalm 18:29

When I think I don’t have what it takes, He says that, through Him, I do have what it takes.

…may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. Hebrews 13:21

When I’m sure I can’t go on, He carries me while I rest.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing. Jeremiah 31:25

When I tell Him I can’t do this anymore! He says Yes, you can, I’m here.

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2

When I’m trying to trust Him, He strengthens me so that my trust will grow.

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31        

When I complain This is too hard! He encourages me.

Then David continued, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” 1 Chronicles 28:20

When I cry, God, I’m scared! He reminds me that He is with me always.

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you. Deuteronomy 31:8

What reminders do you need from Scripture? Will you leave a comment and share one?

In Christ,

Laura                              

All Scripture verses are from the New Living Translation.

Linking up with Winsome Wednesday, WholeHearted Home, Thought Provoking Thursday, Faith Filled Friday, and Spiritual Sundays.

Feeling Discouraged?

Welcome! I’m pleased to be over at 5 Minutes for Faith today talking about feeling discouraged and what we can do about it. Here’s the beginning of what you’ll find…

There are days I feel discouraged.

Days when nothing I do seems to matter and I wonder why I bother.

Days when what I think are God’s plans for me don’t make sense and I question if I misunderstood.

Days I know the enemy is working on my thinking, and yet, I can’t seem to stop the attack which leads to self-doubt.

Discourage—to deprive of courage, hope, or confidence; dishearten; dispirit. (dictionary.com)   

When I feel discouraged, I feel like giving up...

To read the rest of my post, join me at 5 Minutes for Faith. And if you would, please leave a comment. I’d love to know you stopped by! 

In Christ,

Laura

Tweet to share this post on discouragement and what we can do about it.

Linking up with WholeHearted Home Wednesday, Life in Bloom, Thought Provoking Thursday, and Faith Filled Friday.

God’s Provision

Welcome! This week, we are in Chapter 2 “Provision…I Don’t Have Enough” of The Shelter of God's Promises by Sheila Walsh.

I remember as a child learning the difference between something I need and something I want. It’s a lesson I’m passing on to my daughter, although our opinions of need vs. want are not always the same. Go figure.

I imagine the same conversations between me and God. And I have a feeling our opinions of what I need are often different as well.

God knows our needs. But when I’m caught up in the pressures of each day, I’m often focused in the wrong direction. I’m looking at the demands of the day—what I have to provide, what issues I can fix, how many things I can get done at once. But what I need is less of me. I need more of Him.

Don’t get me wrong, the demands each of us face in our lives are very real. He knows that and He promises to provide for us. Many times that will be in ways we don’t recognize.

“Each of us can get to the point where we are worn out stewing over how God will provide for us. But when we come to the end of ourselves, Jesus…calls. 'Come away with Me,' He says. 'Find a quiet place with Me. Rest here with Me.'” –Sheila Walsh, The Shelter of God’s Promises

Jesus offers us rest when we’re so tired we can’t think straight anymore.

He offers us time away with Him when we need the worldly pressures lifted from our shoulders.

Although I shouldn’t, I think sometimes I need to give myself permission to escape and let other things wait, while I allow myself time to recharge with Jesus.

I want one-on-one time with Jesus to be a priority in my life. But I’ll be honest with you…I need to work on it. A lot.

I could name plenty of excuses, but I won’t, because it doesn’t matter what they are.

When I don’t spend time with Him, I miss out on His provisions. Provisions I need to get through the day—His rest, His strength, His energy, His patience, His peace. The list goes on.

Jesus promises to provide what I need daily, but to enjoy it, I need to go to Him and let Him take care of me—spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

I pray that God will take care of all your needs with the wonderful blessings that come from Christ Jesus! Philippians 4:19 CEV

Do you find it easy or difficult to get away with Jesus? To put life aside for awhile and let Him take care of you and provide for you?

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Sharing His Beauty, On Your Heart Tuesday, Just Write, Soli Deo Gloria, Word Filled Wednesday, God-Bumps and God-Incidences, Walk with Him Wednesdays, Unwrapping His Promises, and Women Living Well Wednesday.

Isaiah 40:31 {Something to Think About}

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31 NLT

Have a blessed day!

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Fresh Brewed Sundays and Jumping Tandem-The Sunday Community.

Beyond…

Beyond my wildest dreams, God has a plan for my life.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

Beyond all of my own planning and organizing, God knows the details of my life. Every little one.

All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. 1 Corinthians 13:12b

Beyond any amount of sleep and relaxation I seek, He offers true rest only found through Jesus.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NLT

Beyond anything I can try to do to make up for my sins, Jesus did it all. On the cross. In the grave. Risen again.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. Ephesians 1:6-8 NIV

Beyond any amount of love I have for another, Jesus showed what love truly is.

We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. 1 John 3:16 NLT

I’m joining Lisa-Jo today for Five Minute Friday, where she offers a writing prompt and for 5 minutes we write, without editing or over thinking. Today’s word prompt: Beyond.

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Faith Filled Fridays and Spiritual Sundays.