Uncompromised

  Over the past two months, my life has been a journey of sorting, packing, and letting go. It all began when I was tasked with emptying my mother's house after she passed suddenly, a difficult time of reflection. As I returned to my new home, town, and state, I was reminded of the verse from Isaiah 43:19, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Embracing this new season, I realized it was not just about physical changes, but also about a spiritual transformation. In the process of sorting through belongings, I began to meditate on the need for inner sorting as well. As believers, we are called to release the burdens that weigh us down and keep us from experiencing the fullness of God's grace. Philippians 3:13-14 encouraged me, "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining t...

  Today, when a close friend asked me what I miss the most (places not people), it got me thinking and almost choking up. Sometimes, what we long for seems small, but it matters.  At first, I wasn't sure how to answer because it felt kind of silly. But then, I decided to be honest. In the midst of all my thoughts and feelings, the struggle to feel content and believe I'm where God wants me to be felt very real.  That's when I remembered Philippians 4:6-7, which says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This verse reminds me that even in my longing for something as simple as a cozy coffee shop – you know, the kind with a soothing ambiance, a beautiful view, and the aroma of freshly brewed good quality coffee – I can trust that I'm exactly where God intend...

 Rebekah's Lesson: Embracing the Challenges of Ministry       Talking with a dear friend who has been a ministry wife for decades and excels in hospitality, she shared with me some drama unfolding in her church. It's the kind of drama that involves pouting and ultimatums—"my way or the highway" attitudes—that can be deeply hurtful, making her question everything she's done over the years. Ministry life is filled with joy, but it also bears a heavy weight. One mistake in a church member's eyes can overshadow all the good you've accomplished, challenging your character and integrity. People might say to separate church work from home life, but that's practically impossible, as ministry intertwines with your very being.      This situation reminds me of Rebekah, a model of hospitality and service. When Abraham's servant was seeking a wife for Isaac, Rebekah's kindness shone through as she offered water to him and his camels. In Genesis 24:19, ...