Category Archives: Wanderlust Blog

Body Beautiful

Just last week I had the JOY of sitting on a beautiful beach. Calm and turquoise water, gentle breezes, and warmth just seeping through the bones.

BLISS!!

“Mom, Poppa says you’re too old to wear a bikini!”, the young voice pierces through the calm. “Yes, I am…but I have decided not to care about all of the fat rolls on my body today!”, answers the fit and trim mother. (I had the privilege of listening to these people for a good length of time, as my bliss slowly blistered into indignation.)

So, what is the message here? Sounds a bit mixed up to me. Too old? Too fat? Who cares?

Where is it coming from? And what message is the young girl getting from her family? Continue reading Body Beautiful

The Shriveled Soul

For the last few months I have been reading “Having a Mary Spirit” by Joanna Weaver. A fantastic book, I would recommend it to anyone who wants to really get to the root of what is happening inside their soul.

The last chapter I read talked about the root of bitterness and how it shrivels our soul. She quotes Paul Borthwick where he identifies the two types of people, “enlarged souls” who live a life with faith-filled optimism and “shriveled souls” who let themselves become embittered and withered by life’s hardships. I thought I would write down the nine suggestions for avoiding the “shriveled soul syndrome.” I could see myself in quite a few of these…and I would encourage you to start the process of opening up to what is holding you back in your walk with Jesus. Continue reading The Shriveled Soul

What’s Your Story?

There is nothing like sitting at an airport. People are rushing, sauntering, sitting, sleeping, and arriving or going somewhere on this big planet of ours. I can sit for hours, and often have to, and just watch people. Every color, age, and class seems to be represented.

Each one has a story.

Each one has hopes and dreams. Love. Heartbreak. So many emotions in such a bustling place.

Each one matters to God. Continue reading What’s Your Story?

Falling in Love…

I have been a christian for over 40 years. In that time I have had the opportunity to serve in ministry, be it as an MK (missionary kid), elders wife, counseling teacher, cook at the church camp or even being a missionary. But it’s only in the last 6 months that I have fallen in love.

Yes, fallen for Jesus.

What happened? How can I be a professing follower of Jesus, and not have loved Him for the entire time? Continue reading Falling in Love…

Visions of JOY!!!

“Now close your eyes, picture yourself walking along the shores of Lake Galilee. Imagine Jesus walking beside you, see the lake, hear the waves wash along the shore, and ask Jesus that question you want the answer to.” (this is all a bit paraphrased, as I don’t remember the exact wording…but I think you can get the picture)

Hmmm. What question did I have for Jesus? And why didn’t I feel like taking this very seriously? I was a bit skeptical, but then that isn’t a new reaction for me.

Okay, I will close my eyes.

Focus on the lake.

Where was Jesus? Continue reading Visions of JOY!!!

When I “Grow Up”?

“So, what are you going to do with your life, now that you are home without kids, and aren’t going back to Africa?” A common question, and I must admit I squirm every time I hear it.

Am I supposed to be “doing” something? What, exactly? I don’t actually know.

In the fall last year I went through a phase where I wanted to “make something of myself.” I was going to go to school, and study something meaningful, like political science, or international relations. The plan was to change the world!!

Then I went through therapy, and deep soul cleansing. And winter.

Back to square one.

Or is it really?

I am back to that same question, but the answer is different now. Continue reading When I “Grow Up”?