Lying Down in Green Pastures

Psalm 23 may be the most beloved and memorized of all the Psalms. We appreciate the images of peaceful fields and of clean, white sheep tended by God. However, I have found that the reality of living out the truths of this passage can be tough. According to verse 2, the shepherd forces the sheep to lie down in green pastures. Apparently, lying down isn’t easy for sheep, and it’s certainly not normal for me. I like to know that my days are filled with purpose and plans. To rest seems wrong somehow!

I am clearly in a season of resting. A few months ago God

Transitions and Rubber Duckies

My kids were always fascinated that they couldn’t sink their rubber ducky. Regardless of how hard they pushed it to the bottom of the tub or how long they sat on it, the toy resurfaced. It’s the law of the rubber ducky!

This law applies to life transitions. Transitions, like rubber duckies, involve feelings which will surface no matter how hard we try to keep them down! Ignoring what is lost in an effort to move forward sounds good but it isn’t healthy emotionally. We can’t truly embrace the new without saying good-by to what is gone.

Not long ago I failed to grieve some transitions and became overburdened emotionally. Each change seemed small, but they built up, eventually becoming a huge pile of loss. Finally, at a spiritual retreat

I Don't Always Get It

My dog Libby had surgery three days ago for a torn ACL. (Yes, dogs tear them just like we do!) She spent twenty-seven hours in a strange place handled by unknown people. She awoke in pain, unable to put weight on her left rear leg without additional hurt, wearing a cone on her head. It is impossible to explain to her why we sent her alone into such misery and pain. Our actions will allow her to use her leg without discomfort, but she only knows temporary agony. Even when she begins to feel better, we must restrict her from running or jumping before her leg is totally healed. She won’t get that either!

Frequently God’s people endure painful situations because God must hurt us in order to help us. Although scripture gives general explanations,