There’s a gardening proverb that goes like this: “The first year they sleep, the second year they creep, the third year they leap!”
This little adage is a reminder that you won't see much outward growth in the first year after a perennial (a plant that lives for multiple years) is planted…
I’ve long since mastered walking and talking, but now I’m learning to do other things. And sometimes it feels really uncomfortable and looks really awkward. Sometimes, I feel frustrated by how far out of reach some of my dreams and goals seem. I feel like a toddler, knowing I’m meant to run but not yet able to advance beyond a few wobbly steps...⠀
Read MoreSome kids don’t want to grow up, but when I was a kid, I wanted to grow up as quickly as possible. I loved celebrating birthdays and starting new grades—undeniable signs that I was moving closer to the freedom of adulthood.
Though I’m a full-fledged adult now, I still long to grow up. Only instead of pining for physical independence, I’m longing for spiritual maturity. I yearn to experience more of God’s presence, to better understand His love and wisdom, and to touch more lives through my ministry. And sometimes, just as when I was a kid, I want to hurry the process...
Read MoreNew Year’s Eve 1999: I’m spending the night at my best friend Tricia’s house, counting down the hours until the new millennium. We joke about Y2K and wonder what will happen if the computers glitch and the world really does fall apart, as so many fear it might. But being in one of the last time zones on earth to enter the New Year, we pretty much already know nothing is going to happen.
We also speculate about what 2020 will be like…
Read MoreWe never know ahead of time if or when our efforts—our seeds—will bear fruit. Sometimes we see results right away, sometimes we never see tangible results (this side of Heaven), and sometimes results come but take longer than we expect…
Read MoreWith what appeared to be every ounce of his strength, the newborn reindeer calf pushed himself to a standing position. His spindly legs trembled and his entire fuzzy, brown body shook with the effort of remaining upright. Close behind, mama reindeer hovered protectively, keeping watch over her baby’s progress. The calf took one halting step forward—then tripped and tumbled to the ground...⠀
Read MoreMy soul was thirsty, dry, and weak. I felt like I’d been put through a wringer and every last molecule of moisture had been wicked away.
For years I struggled with a chronic condition, and for years I ached for a breakthrough. After yet another disappointment, I was weary from the effort, the wondering, and the waiting…
It took years of prodding, but about a year ago my husband finally persuaded me to incorporate strength training into my work out routine.
Strength training involves subjecting muscles to resistance, such as laying down and pushing yourself off the floor with your arms (aka the dreaded push-up) or lifting your arms while holding heavy weights…
Read MoreMy husband is waging war against dandelions. And, so far, the dandelions are winning.
What started out as a patch in our lower lawn has turned into a full on invasion, and our yard is almost completely covered. Slowly but surely, like a rising tide, they creep closer and closer to the house…
Read MoreI don’t know about you, but when I struggle with a worry, besides feeling anxious and uncomfortable, I also often deal with guilt and disappointment because I know that a life of worry is not what God wants for us. I feel like if only I had stronger faith or was a more mature Christian I wouldn’t have these struggles…
Read MoreImagine it’s your 100th birthday. You’ve just spent all day celebrating with a big party, and now you’re resting quietly in your bedroom. Friends and family linger, taking care of after-party clean up.
Against the backdrop of household sounds—the clatter of silverware on china, the tinkle your great-grandchildren’s laughter, the chatter of guests—you reflect on the last century. Suddenly, you’re drawn from your reverie by the sound of your name. As you strain to listen in, you realize your friends are talking about you...
Read MoreI love everything about fall—the brilliant foliage, the crisp air, the smell of decomposing cranberries and damp earth, warm fires and the rich aroma of wood smoke, the haunting call of wild geese and the lullaby of rustling leaves...
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Hi! I'm Carina, and I'm here to help you connect with God and discover and share your unique gifts.
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