As part of the Scattered to Gathered series, Palms Up is about finding the peace and strength you need to endure the storms of life. Like a palm tree’s roots that stretch far and wide, we can stretch out our hands in every prayer to gain the confidence we need.

As part of the Scattered to Gathered series, Scatterbrained is about ridding the clutter of thoughts in our mind and focusing on Jesus. God’s promise is that one day, we will no longer be scattered physically or mentally, but until that day we can still trust that He will bring us through.

As part of the Scattered to Gathered series, With-ness is about prioritizing your time with God in order to see His promises. It’s not about perfection, as if we will never again be scatterbrained, or worry, or be tempted to compare, or doubt, or overthink – it’s just about including Him in the process until the promise comes.

As much as I love my paper calendar, I love my paper Bible even more. I use it more than any Bible on a device. Every day I dive into its stories and events— and I never feel worried, bothered or anxious about any of it!

Your oxalis is in a dormant season and is resting. You may want to repot it though. All the roots need to be untangled and loosened up. There’s a lot going on in the dirt that you don’t see.

Most people would call it “church hurt” but it wasn’t the Church that set it all into motion. People aren’t perfect, so hurtful things will always be something that we have to walk through in all areas of life. No matter what, God can still work in the midst of hurt. A greater story can still be told.

When I allow myself to be overcome by the negative, all anyone sees is the fleshly side of me. Like the dull, rough side of that tiny pebble. But if I allow the little annoyances to become an act of love, then I'll be living out one of Jesus’ best and greatest commands, to love your neighbor as yourself.

Often, the question what can God do?, isn’t so clear. In fact, it’s usually clear as mud, making it easier to ask why? However, I find it funny that in John 9, Jesus uses mud to clear up some confusion for the disciples.

It’s exhausting when you think you must act good enough so you can be good enough. The struggle is real, but so is God and God is not sitting on his throne, his hand raised in the air with a finger wagging towards us saying, “You know better.” He knows I wag my own finger at myself enough, the whole time wishing I could act like a better Christian.

By writing out these snack-sized treasures every day, I’m trying to be someone who doesn’t just move past the everyday situations but pauses long enough to discover the gold to be found. Recognizing the miraculous in the mundane. These everyday things

The word Ebenezer is a Hebrew word meaning “stone of help.” Like Ebenezer Scrooge, we can allow life to make us grouchy forgetting the goodness of God – forgetting how He has always shown Himself faithful. I love that he proclaims to be aware of the lessons that our past, present, and our future can teach us.

Although I didn’t acknowledge it then, my Mamaw Rowlett was a beautiful display of grandparenting. She canned, she quilted, and always wore a dress with an apron. I have three things in remembrance of her: a quilt, a small pocket Bible that she had written my name in, and her love for tidiness.

Public displays of affection (PDA) are acts of physical intimacy in the view of others. Intimacy doesn’t have to be what we initially make it out to be in our gutter minds. Intimacy is a familiarity or a friendship. I’m familiar with Jesus, because I spend time with Him every day. He knows everything about me – the good, the bad, and the ugly.

My hope is this: that we as women will put on our rally caps for each other. To cheer each other on, believing in the callings, dreams, and visions that God places on a sister’s life. Pray over them, speak uplifting and powerful words into them. Spurring one another on toward the goal!

About 10 years ago, when Isaiah was five, we were laying down together watching tv when he started talking about heaven, wondering what it would be like there. It was so sweet, but he looked at me and said, “I’m not sure I’ll like heaven, if you have to wear those ugly sandal shoes.” If you know Isaiah, you know he would be the one to worry about the attire in heaven.

Are you one try away from not being rejected this time? One look away from finding The House? One yes away from the perfect opportunity? One prayer away from healing? You’re not too old. You’re not too young. You’re not too behind. You’re not too busy. Click redisplay on your mindset. This time things could all come together.

How easy it is for us to forget what God has done in the past? I love that God didn’t shame Elijah for feeling fear or discouragement. Instead, he comforted and nurtured him. If you’ve gone from victory to the valley today. Know that the valley could be a resting place – you’re going to need strength for the journey ahead.