Welcome to the many new readers at Think Twice, I’m glad you’re here.
It’s Saturday and the last 24 hours have been full. Yesterday and today include work, a wedding, Evie’s late-night soccer game, hosting my mother-in-law for the weekend, making a “Leeli” outfit for book dress up day for Violet, and a full day of church and outreach tomorrow. Also cooking and cleaning and getting groceries. The stuff of life! :) But I wanted to quick share a few links before signing off:
Gospel Resilience
When the impossibility of today is real and the trouble of tomorrow promised: how do you persevere?
I wrote about this today over at TableTalk. But even more, I’m living this and a test case. :) Which led me to write about Walking With God (below).
Walking With God
It’s funny how we can write things and know things, and yet it does not mean attainment of the things. Example: I have a lot of fitness and nutrition insights which have the potential to radically transform my life, but unless I actually step out the door and put one foot in front of the other, reach down and lift up the weight, the tips are just taking space in my mind and have no effect. Shocking, I know.
Such is the life of faith. We can know what is true, good, and beautiful, but we need more than the passage of time to experience growth. Faith requires the active participation of our mind, heart, and will in response to the Word and Spirit as we follow Christ. Faith: it is either active or dead.
I’m alive! That’s what I reminded myself this week when painful realities weighed heavy. Another opportunity to roll these realities onto Christ, again, and experience his sufficiency.
Faith’s pursuit is tireless and lays hold of God’s promises rather than our own ruminations.
We never outgrow our neediness. The most learned theologian, the most gifted leader, the most experienced believer — each one a beggar of grace as the sun rises.
Yesterday’s provision is a promise for today’s need, but faith in Christ needs to be exercised another day, this day, to renew our hearts and minds. Christ-reliance brings joy, health, and wholeness to our lives.
Caught My Attention
Jason Kelce, retiring from the NFL, drew lots of attention by affirming what most dads already know: “One of the best things a person can be in this world is a father. A father who is present, devoted, and loving is the greatest gift a child could ask for in our society.”
To that end: did you know that a one of the biggest predictors of a child staying in the faith depends on the warmth of relationship their father? “A father can be a pillar of the church, a moral exemplar, and have perfectly correct theology, but if he is perceived as cold and distant, the child will not follow him in the faith.” (Nancy Pearcey) One idea: each day read the Word with your kids every day, teaching them, and sharing how God is teaching and molding you! A great resource for discussion with your kids around Scripture with this Family Worship guide. It’s excellent.
Life Lately
SEDONA - It’s rare that Darryl and I can take a trip together — one of us usually stays back with Calvin while the other takes the rest of the kids. This time, Sophie had college classes so stayed back to care for Calvin, allowing Darryl and I to enjoy hiking in Sedona for a few days. Being outdoors and exploring was life-giving for us. Cathedral Rock was our favorite hike, but we discovered so many places that took our breath away. God’s majesty on full display.
COLUMBIANA - A quick trip from Friday to Saturday for a conference with a group of women. I had the privilege of leading two sessions: “God Dwells With Us” and “How the Presence of God Changes Us”. Such incredible themes.
We explored God dwelling with his people all the way from Eden to Immanuel to our Revelation hope. It was a blessing to meet so many new sisters in Christ, not to mention, my own sister even came along to keep me company!
“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.” Rev. 21:3
HAIRCUT - Giving Calvin a haircut while laying down — a feat! :) I thought he looked so grown up. Many of you requested a walk-thru of his newly accessible space. Coming soon!
Until next time, my friend.
Kara
Love all the updates. I was surprised to see my friend Natalie T. in the conference picture! I wish I could have been there.
Thanks for sharing Kara; always uplifting and encouraging. Your insights are so appreciated! 💕