Author Archives: beth

About beth

I started this blog in 2011 shortly after I finally opened my heart and mind to Jesus as a last resort. My intent with this blog is to share what I learn and feel along my path with Jesus.

Was God Affirming My Art?

Posted on February 10, 2018

A friend asked me to create a painting of her boyfriend’s three cats. It will be a birthday present from her to him. She gave me no further instructions, but she did provide photos and a brief “bio” of each … Continue reading →

Posted in animals, art, artists, arts ministry, creativity, drawing, gifts, God, Holy spirit, pets, prophetic art | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Hang-Ups vs God’s Word

Posted on December 28, 2017

Hang-Ups – Default templates guiding my day-to-day decisions, big and small. Do my templates align with God’s Word? Do they limit me and my living out God’s purpose for placing me in this spot in this time? Do my templates … Continue reading →

Posted in bible study, christianity, culture, ego, God, healing, pride, salvation, sanctification, sin | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Read it and Weep or Jump for Joy?

Posted on December 28, 2017

I know that my faith is not proven by emotions or feelings. And yet, as I read Isaiah 53 translated by Eugene Peterson, I wept. “Why?” I asked myself, “Why am I weeping?” (The NIV translation didn’t grab me as … Continue reading →

Posted in bible study, Eugene Peterson, Jesus, sanctification, scripture, sin | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Hold Space (Bite Your Tongue)

Posted on October 23, 2017

Our Bible study leader told us not to give each other advice during small-group discussions. I liked the experience. Would you? Refraining from counseling/advising/citing scripture/quoting Christian clichés holds space open for Holy Spirit (The Counselor) to be heard. Holding space prevents … Continue reading →

Posted in family, family problems, fixers, healing, hold space, Holy spirit, intimacy, marital problems, mens group, relationships, wisdom | Tagged | Leave a comment

Grow-Your-Own Proverbs

Posted on October 17, 2017

Here’s a sampling of my Life Group’s home-grown proverbs. Below those, is the prompt you can use if you’d like to write some of your own.   He who talks but never listens will soon be talking to himself.   … Continue reading →

Posted in bible study, creative nonfiction, family, guidance, healing, relationships, the way the world works | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Reason Rant

Posted on September 29, 2017

Let’s say something unexpected and unpleasant has happened to you.  Someone says, “Things always happen for a reason.” Is that a comfort to you? Or an annoying platitude? How do you respond to it? Things always happen for a reason. … Continue reading →

Posted in family problems, fixers, healing, new age, relationships | Tagged | Leave a comment

Too Old to Cry

Posted on September 16, 2017

At age twelve, Zekie was too old to be seen holding his mother’s hand. He wrenched his palm from her grip and ran ahead to listen to Jesus again. Zekie’s mother wagged her finger. “Stay with me!” He knew he … Continue reading →

Posted in bible study, creative nonfiction, Jesus, Judas' kiss, mark 14, miracles | Tagged | Leave a comment