Category: Abide – Spiritual Journey – John 15

By the winter of 2012, my life was a complete mess. I’d been raped, lost my friends, and was trying to get out of another abusive relationship. My business was on the rocks and I was drinking too much. Everything I thought I could keep together wasn’t working. It had always worked before, but this time, nothing I seemed to do pulled this vast mess into shape.

I had nowhere else to go so I went to church. After all, don’t we usually turn to God when the chips are down? I felt like a hypocrite though—an interloper. I’d told God years earlier, about 2005, that I didn’t need Him. In fact, on one drunken night, sitting in my dining room, I’d called Him out. Yes, I challenged God, “If you are there…if you really can help me, then talk to me. Just say or do something.”

Nothing, of course. Thinking back now, I imagine God in heaven, looking down at angry little me and thinking, “Dear one, this will not end well, but I love you enough to let you go.”

When I consider my ultimatum, I know I turned from God because I wanted to do it my way. I’ve always felt a strong Spiritual connection and I’d always felt guilt when doing the “wrong” thing. I simply could not stay committed to God or even really acknowledge Him in my life and then do the things I knew He would not want me to do so I left Him that day in my dining room.

Coming back in 2012 was a big deal. No matter the stage in my life, I always held integrity and I am not a half-measure person. I was either in or out. That February day, I picked in and my life has been a whirlwind ever since. There’s so much change, so much adventure, so many blessings—new rewards and perspective. It’s simply been amazing. It’s been a beautiful little miracle. I’ve created this blog to share some of it with you and to maybe make your journey a little brighter.

I now believe, without any doubt or reservation, that God brought me through all that craziness to bless me with greater compassion and understanding. I see now that He plucked me out of that mess I’d created so I could walk with Him in the utmost confidence that this is where I belong, and if you are reading this, at this exact moment, then this is where you belong too.  Come rest with us…

 
+

Comprehending the Light John 1:5

Praying over the city at The Salvation Army – Saint Paul Citadel Worship & Service Center. October 22, 2018 · Saint Paul · This past weekend I attended STREET CHURCH with Communitas Twin Cities (http://www.communitastc.org/). As you can see from the picture, it is basically on the street. Thankfully the Salvation Army allows usRead More

+

Where Is Your Faith Luke 8:22-25

Praying over the city at Bread & Chocolate. October 20, 2018 · Saint Paul · I miss my rides already. Granted, I could have ridden my bike today. It’s not raining, and I was up in plenty of time, but it was 30 degrees—yes, 30 degrees Fahrenheit in October—and theRead More

+

At The Same Time Ecclesiastes 3

Praying over the city at Prairie’s Edge Casino Resort. October 17, 2018 · Granite Falls ·  Last night I planned to get to the hotel so that I could enjoy the sunset. I had hoped, since I was driving west, that I could drive into the sunset. Granted, that might have created a painfulRead More

+

Jesus The Justice Fighter Mark 11:11

Praying over the city at Cathedral of Saint Paul, National Shrine of the Apostle Paul. October 13, 2018 · Saint Paul · This past week another of my Christian friends questioned me on one of my anti-Trump posts. The comment basically was, “I think we need to focus on JesusRead More

+

Shame vs Humility Genesis 3:7-11

Praying over the city in Saint Paul, Minnesota. October 11, 2018  Last night I attended Woodland Hills Church Wednesday night activities. Lots of Biblical considerations and networking happening there. The class I went to was entitled MAKING SENSE OF THE BIBLE and the intent was to exam some of the areasRead More

+

Dealing with Rejection Luke 4:16-29

October 10, 2018 St. Paul, MN   I’m headed to 8:30 a.m. yoga today—which I am hoping is NOT cancelled like Monday’s class—so my early morning prayer and studies are right at my dining room table. Welcome to my home!  In my Gospel studies, I am now at Luke 4.Read More

+

In Her Heart Luke 2

Praying over the city at Starbucks (234 Snelling Avenue North, Saint Paul, MN). October 9, 2018 · Saint Paul · I woke early today to make it to 5:45 a.m. spin-class. This pic was taken at nearly 7 a.m. and the sun still hasn’t arrived. That’s okay though—I really do like starting my dayRead More

+

Immoral Immigration Hebrews 13:2

Praying over the city October 8, 2018· Saint Paul · There are many cities across America doing away with Columbus Day and placing Indigenous People’s Day in honor instead. I am grateful for this move. The proud and powerful people who are the original inhabitants in many lands and what they haveRead More

+

The Power 2 Timothy 1:7

Praying over the city at Bruegger’s Bagels (800 Grand Ave, Saint Paul, MN). October 6, 2018· Saint Paul · I planned to clean my house today but decided this winter will be full of “cleaning” days, so I went for a ride instead. It was chilly, but very, very worth it. I needRead More

+

In Full View Job 2:11-13

Praying over the city at Groundswell Midway. October 5, 2018 · Saint Paul · With the fabulous encouragement of my friends who supported me, I went to yoga this morning. I’ve been meaning to do it. I knew it would help stretch, strengthen, and relax me. The biking and theRead More