Make Prayer Beautiful

A few hours of uncertainty about where we were in the process … but apparently not close to dead yet.

The initial, disorienting hours at the hospital.

We've had two broken bones and one need for stitches after hours, but our overall experience with intense medical needs has been quite minimal.

So thankful that the Lord draws us to himself.

The point of life is not to be free of drama.

Missionaries do so around the globe; we did so in central Virginia.

Books, audios, resolving boredom in productive ways.

A blessing for the challenges of decision-making.

And what does it say about people who listen to me, or read what I write?

What does this mean?

Then intuition and impressions might be enough … and a lot of asking for wisdom.

Reflecting on the nature of relationships.

Lack of hearing clearly, a sense of separation … what does it look like to walk with God when he seems distant?

Not just a service to benefit clients; not just donations … another, hidden benefit I hadn't considered.

I'm saying it and singing it, but do I believe it?

Dan Sullivan's plan to live to 156 … a bit tongue-in-cheek, but also a delightful thinking exercise.

A brand-new idea, and so satisfying!

Praying again for things we've prayed through already.

Recognizing the reality of proof-reading not as well as I would wish … and new solutions. (So thankful.)

Entering anew into the idea that God is the owner and I am the steward, and what came of that.

An idea that saved me untold frustrations down the road. (SO. THANKFUL.)

For many years, I didn't realize we had any other option in prayer other than using a list.

Arms raised, singing a new song … and a bit about some words being specific to you, and some being more for the body of Christ.

Yes, but … there might be some additional filters that might also be helpful.

We each have our own relationship with the Lord. (And, Lord, let us act always out of a healthy relationship with you.)

Importunity, hunger, conference tips, and more.

Beloved child, overly familiar … what does it look like to walk with God?

As a human, this one gets to me.

As a mom, this one gets to me.

This story went straight to my heart. So helpful, to hear a story that did not work out as desired … but the Lord is still good.

I love different people's experiences of how they hear God! A practical story. I resonate with this one very much.

Worship matters! (And a bit about being a steward.)

A reminder that our job is obedience … and that God often is working with a totally different set of metrics than we are.

An exercise that actually makes sense to me: not three unreachable days, but three possible days.

Not just once and done … the Lord gives gifts of doors opening again. (I feel this one more as a prophetic declaration.)

Pushing through a black mood with worship.And listen to one of Cortney's sets here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vgo7_482-f4

Stirring from the Lord at the start of a fast.

With better perspective from an outside source.

A story I haven't yet been able to tell without some tears.

A plug for claiming that extra half year … cake not required.

Offset by 10 seconds, and we would have missed each other.

Which means: if you're dreading the day to come … stop it!

A testimony of the shocking power of taking communion. And a book to help facilitate more regular communion. https://happybooks.me/savor

Maybe, or maybe not: a few considerations.

Figuring out a way to process through the books I read that works for me.

A plug for a life-changing program … or at least the book, Connection Mode. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1632996073

Dry heaves, deliverance, and daikon radish … and the Lord goes before!

Grumpiness, starting at different times, ending early, males and females … some thoughts on going without food for a day.

A redemptive narrative in a place I had been fighting against shame.

Some thoughts on this good question.