Unite in Love

    I've thought a lot about auto-immune diseases over the past few years. My daughter was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis 5 1/2 years ago. My Dad was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis last year. I've been in the process of diagnosis for many years now. Damage from my auto-immune disease has kept me from doing some things I like to do like run and play tennis. Earlier this week when I attempted to ride my bike, I had to stop early because my knee hurt to much to ride.  As I sadly turned around, I thought how much racism is like an auto-immune disease.      First, racism and auto-immune diseases both injure their own body. Auto-immune conditions cause the body to fight against itself. Unfortunately, racism causes the same thing in the human race. While God designed a beautiful rainbow of the human race, some people fight against this diversity. If we are tearing each other down with words or actions, we are fighting against God's design and hindering gro...

So many different emotions going through my brain and heart these days. I don';t even know where to begin. Well I guess beginning with thanksgiving is always a good place to start.  -I'm thankful for God who works good even when we only see the crazy back side of the tapestry.  -I'm thankful for Jesus who has already done it all The work is finished.  -I'm thankful for my wonderful husband and children.  -I'm thankful for supportive friends and family.  -I'm thankful for new friendships which bring life and joy  -I'm thankful for church regathering and fasts from social media -I'm thankful for nice bike rides, for referrals to figure out my health, for good soccer games -I'm thankful for good message about resting in Christ and drawing from His well of living water  -I'm thankful for the opportunity to add to history in a positive way -I'm thankful the technology can be used to advance the gospel  Lord, I lift up to you racial restoration- I ...

We are in such a crazy time. but we are here "for such a time as this." I keep thinking about hearing a message on how in God's amazing timing, the New Testament and the Good News of Jesus happened at the perfect time. The technology of the day including the Roman roads were pathways that enable that message to begin to spread throughout the world. In the same, I think the technology of today including social media enables us to see from a national level that racism still exists. Bad things have happened to people over the ages, but when you don't hear about many. You may not see that they are systematic, you can be saddened by the situation but not feel drawn to action because it was one bad man or a bad police officer not a systemic issue. I'll be honest, I thought that way for a long time. The recent deaths of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd and reading, listening to messages like this from  Christine Caine/ Dr. Phillips have change my mind.  I believe God allow...

I love running. Running by myself in the morning has been my sanity saver for a while. Then in January I hurt my knee and had to stop. I've been really disappointed for a while that I haven't been able to run because of my knees/ hips, but now I've started biking and I'm really enjoying my bike rides in the woods.  This has been a great reminder that God uses these "bad things" to work His good. Before my recent joint troubles, I'd gotten to where running was all about making certain time/ speed goals- not spending time with God. Now I love riding on the trails- so peaceful, so quiet, no traffic. This morning I saw lots of turkeys, rabbits, and squirrels. I enjoy riding with the kids, with friends, and by myself. And I feel like I hear more clearly from God during my rides.  As I rode today, I had so many thoughts. This season has had so much tragedy. In addition, this week I've not loved that it's rained so much since that feels harder when I'...