death

it has no power over us….

in my heart and mind i know it has no power, no victory.  but for the past week i have had a hard time aligning my thinking with that.  it changes you forever.  it’s tough.  it leaves a void.  it leaves brokenness.  it leaves injury.

my sweet friend, Becka, went to be with the Lord a week ago.  our community is grieving. she loved people well.  she brought life and comfort wherever she was.  she brought people into her life with ease.  she really loved well.  and she left behind three amazing, precious children.  my heart breaks for them.

new life

Praise the Lord, it’s a new year! I love new beginnings. I love new life. I love the anticipation, the expectation, the lack of blemish. It’s just life-giving for me.
Surprisingly here in Georgia, we have been under a blanket of snow and ice for a week! With that comes the necessity of staying home. I have had my husband and kids around me, with no opportunity of going out for several days. And it’s been good. God has really been speaking to my heart through it. I have heard him calling out to me to simplify. Get rid of the fluff. This is what really matters. These people are my main responsibility. They are my joy. Am I doing it well? Am I living without regret in regards to them? Am I walking faithfully with the responsibilities He is giving me? (read more)

Amazing love

This week the Lord led me to begin reading Galatians.  And I am really thankful.  It has really been speaking to me.  I wanted to share some thoughts on the first chapter that are in line with what I have been mentioning lately.

God is really calling me to position myself so that I can receive from Him- remember that?  It really is just this reoccuring theme- which is how I know it’s the Lord.  He’s constantly reminding me that it’s not Him that isn’t showing up- He’s constant, unchanging, ever-present.  I am the one that needs to show up.  I need to ready myself to listen, to share, to just be with Him. (read on)

the fall senses…

i am drinking it in.  fall is coming.  and i couldn’t be more welcoming.  seriously, what is better than cool morning, coffee, refreshing temps throughout the day that beckon lunch picnics and digging in the yard, kids playing outside without complaining of how hot it is, pumpkins, mums, and let’s not forget pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks!  i’m excited just writing that list! 

position yourself

as i said in my last post, last week was a great week for me.  i heard from the Lord, received some confirmation through others that what i thought i was hearing was right.  it was just good stuff for me and truly sweet of the Lord.  one of the things i walked away with, through processing the week, is i believe the Lord is pressing on my heart to position myself daily to receive the Holy Spirit.  i want His Spirit.  i want His fullness.  read this:

what’s your diet like?

This past week, my hubs and I went to a pastor’s retreat with 3D ministries.  It was just fabulous- on many different levels.  There was time for just me and Gabe, time to hang out with others in ministry, a great time of worship and teaching.  I was so blessed through our time.

Peace, Love & Truth!

Philippians 4

1 So then, my brothers and sisters, dear friends whom I long to see, my joy and crown, stand in the Lord in this way, my dear friends!
2 I appeal to Euodia and to Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I say also to you, true companion, help them. They have struggled together in the gospel ministry along with me and Clement and my other coworkers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! 5 Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near! 6 Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God.

around me….

Think About These Things

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. ~Philippians 4:8

Family Motto

Last week, Gabe and I decided that we needed a family motto.  You know, a mantra that we turn to.  We wanted something that we would say would define us, as a guide for both us and our kids.

We have some good friends who used to jokingly say their motto was “Krawczyks never loose!”  It’s a great starting place, right?!  So, Gabe thought we should make ours, “Hoffmans always beat Krawczyks!”  But, we thought it deserved more depth than that.  (more…)