Friday, July 24, 2009

God is Always Bigger


“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7, NIV)

Has life ever thrown so much at you at once you felt like just thinking about it would push you over the edge? Many of us have been there. Things come at us from every direction, and we want to shut down completely. I encourage you to tune in to God’s still small voice in those moments. His comforting words will not only keep you grounded, they will bring you peace in ways you never imagined.

I am so thankful to have God looking out for me. His love, grace and mercy have covered and protected my family throughout the years. In fact, just today I was faced with two major trials that tested my faith and trust, but was quickly reminded of God’s goodness and bigness. In my heart, I knew God had it all under control no matter how bad it looked. So, I chose to rest in His peace, which completely guarded my heart and mind.

If you follow my blog, you know this year has been a tough one for me. But God is bigger than any situation we face. In His strength, we can overcome. Matthew 7:24-25 says, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” (NIV)

Over the past seven months, I have felt beaten by life’s storms, flooded by grief and winded by everything that has happened, but I am still standing. God’s Word is truth—my house will not fall! How wonderful is it to know that I am standing firm on an immovable foundation with nothing to fear. God has already taken care of everything for my family and me.

The photo shown above is one I took after a major downpour. I love how it looks as though the light is chasing away the darkness. Today, I thank God for His favor and grace. I’m also grateful for the calm after the storm.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Ode to My First Tortillas


Taco meat and refried beans,
In life there are no finer things
Than these.

To the cupboard with despair,
Finding no tortillas there
I wondered.

Could I make them up by hand?
Mixing, rolling, flip in pan,
I tried it.

Flour covered head-to-toe,
Slipping, sliding to-and-fro,
I bustled.

My first tortilla looked just right.
All I needed was a bite
To tell me.

Would it taste like my grandmother’s
Or a booger-fingered brother’s?
I pondered.


At first chew I was surprised
With a twinkle in my eyes—
Successful!