I closed my eyes throughout most of the movie.  Is it over yet?  I kept thinking.  Why?  This is too awful!  Why did he have to suffer so much?  

Jesus’s death, as portrayed in The Passion of the Christ, had my mind going to uncomfortable places, confronting me with a reality that hurt.  It was only a movie, but what Christ did for me, and for you, was illustrated so vividly, that even from the comfort of dark theater, it was almost more than I could handle.   

God's power is at work and we can be thankful in any circumstances.  This week's featured post explains more.  It's called, The Power of Thanksgiving, by Karen Del Tatto, who writes at Growing Together in Grace and Knowledge.  I was so encouraged and challenged by Karen's words.  I hope you'll take a moment to visit, say hello, and be blessed as I was. 

Thank you for sharing with us last week, Karen.

I remember it like it was yesterday.  

Our phone conversation was brief but poignant. I shared the horrific details of my situation through tears.  

All she said was, “I’ll be over soon.” 

In my moment of deepest need and greatest hurt, my friend came to me. She left what she was doing and made her way to my house to comfort and encourage me. I had nothing to offer her, nothing to give, and little to say. 

But, she showed up – just when I needed her the most. (And, she brought flowers!) 

Similarly, when we were in our place of greatest need, Jesus stepped out of heaven and came down to earth for us. We had nothing to offer, nothing to give, and little to say.  

But Jesus showed up – just when we needed Him the most. (And, He brought hope!) 

That longing for home is a part of all of us, I think.  Rosa's vivid descriptions took me right into a place I think many of us will recognize in this week's featured post.  It's called, When You Don't Feel at Home Anywhere, by Rosa A Hopkins, who writes at Gutsy Christianity. Our true home is in heaven.  Until we're with Jesus, face to face, I think that we'll always have some longing.  We were made for something more. I loved reading Rosa's words and I hope you'll take a moment to say hello, read, and be blessed as I was. 

In my early 20’s I met Jeanne Garison. Jeanne was wise, gracious, funny, and for some reason, loved me. She showed it by pouring her wisdom into me, her time into my time, her life into my life. Living life with Jeanne alongside made all the difference.

“Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour” (John 12:27, NASB).

We need direction.  Day by day, hour-by-hour, for us to live our best lives according to the unique purpose that God has called us to, we need the word of the Lord guiding us.  Surrender is what brings the peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil 4:7)…no matter our circumstances.

This week's featured post for the Grace and Truth link-up is called, The Time to Pray is Now, by Heather Bixler.  She explains the 3 reasons we often fail to pray (and why that needs to change).  God may not always change our circumstances in exactly the way we ask but when we take our requests to him in prayer, he does change our hearts.

I hope you'll take a moment to visit Heather, read her words, and be encouraged as I was. 

Thank you for sharing with us last week, Heather.

And now, it's time to link-up!

As Christian women, we’re often well acquainted with the idea of self-sacrifice.  Our calling is to be like Jesus.  He literally laid his life down for his friends.  We want to serve God by serving others.  This is good- and it’s as it should be.  Love God and love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:30-31)

We all need to retreat every once in awhile.  A change of pace from the ordinary refreshes the body, mind, and spirit.  Different types of retreats serve different purposes, but I believe there are three primary types of retreats that all people need: solo, community, and Sabbath.  These retreats don’t need to involve large quantities of time or travel.  You can create mini-retreats, at home.  All you need is a plan and a few minutes set aside for this purpose.

The ideas wouldn't flow.  I felt like I was stuck in mud.  It seemed like I had depleted every ounce of creativity and strength I had in me. As a busy mom and as a writer, I knew I needed replenishment.  Spiritually, I realized I was little dry, as well.  I wasn't satisfied with the stale routine I had going.  I had been checking off the "to dos" of Bible reading and prayer out of duty, rather than a deep thirst for more of God. 

I knew God's promises.  I've experienced his truths. I just needed to act upon them.